> From: Kat Bryce <katbryce@earthlink.net>
> Subject: Re: Have you seen a fire?
>
> As someone who has had exactly 0 lessons or experience in using a fire
> extinguisher. How exactly should one put out an engine that is on fire?
>
> I'm sure it would also require some knowledge of what kind of
> extinguisher you are using. Do different extinguishers require
> different techniques?
>
> I ask, because while working the pits recently at Road Atlanta (RA) a
> car came in on fire. Had he stopped nearer to my station I would have
> been the first on the scene with an extinguisher. The flames were
> rolling out hood and had crossed the fire wall.
>
> Kat
This is a very good question, and I think it's one that more of us
should know about. Paul pretty much addressed all of the good stuff, but
I thought I'd pitch in my $0.02 as well.
First off, if you are rushing to the aid of a burning car, carry the
extinguisher (if it's a handheld unit and not a big 50 lb bottle) in
both arms, like carrying a baby. They are heavy, and if you carry it by
the handle one of a few bad things could happen. One, you could
accidentally trigger the bottle and waste it. Two, swinging the bottle
by the handle while running can result in some very painfully brusied
shins, if not a borken bone. A swinging steel bottle can easilly hit
your running leg and that can -hurt-.
Second, in the event of an engine fire, aim the nozzle under the fender
well, under the bumper, but DO NOT OPEN THE HOOD. Unless there is
additional fire support available, like a big 50 lb bottle or more, a
small hand held bottle will not put out an engine fire. And opening the
hood will simply give the fire more air and allow it to burn even more.
Once the fire truck is there, multiple bottles, or larger 50 lb bottles
are present, then attempt to actually extinguish the fire. Until then,
the only thing a small bottle will likely do, is help slow it down and
give the driver more time to get out. And THAT has priority, cars can be
fixed and/or rebuilt, people are not quite so easy to repair.
Third, if possible, aim the nozzle at the base of the flames and use
the bottle sparingly, there isn't much in the smaller bottles, and
they'll empty quite quickly. BTDT.
All those taken into account, a car fire is not a trivial matter, and
should be considered serious.
Another thing to consider is that powder form extinguishers and Halon
varieties both present unusual hazards in an enclosed area. Some powder
materials can give off toxic vapors when exposed to extreem heat. Watch
where you're using it, and ventilate if at all possible. Halon is an
asphixiant, that's how it puts out fires. Don't try breathing in an
enclosed space if Halon is used, it won't do you much good. :-P
-Josh2
--
Joshua Hadler
jhadler@rmsolo.org
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