I think the copy editor was having trouble with the concept. As a long-time aficionado of paper-wrapped gunpowder, I wouldn't want to be in the same county as an eight-mile firecracker.

Wait, Rand, it's unclear from your post - am I supposed to try this at home?

It wasn't intended to be clear from my post. You're supposed to follow the link. I've no opinion on whether or not you should try it at home, but unless you have a lot at least eight miles long, it seems like a tough thing to do.

I'll just run that firecracker through town at 3am when nobody's using it. The town, that is.