Maiden launch o' t' rocket I had built months ago.  nice straight boost up, ejection was a bit early, but it still worked (I'll try 5 sec next time). Begad!  Used a fiberglass heat shield, but still got a bit o' parachute fused; however chute still opened and recovered fine close t' t' pads.  T' launch actually caused a small grass fire under t' pads (good reminder t' keep an eye for dry grass spots under launch areas.  Despite spreadin' quite quickly, I be able t' stomp it out with some fancy footwork (someone left a rod diagonally blockin' me right in front o' t' fire which was also along t' legs o' t' pad as well as havin' wires in front - Murphy's law).  I joked that it must have been that "sparky" Estes D12 I used.