Northern Nick

iTrader: (1)

I agree with you there, what could be a simple small engine fire could wreck the whole car before anybody else could get there to do anything about it.

If you have a small extinguisher in the car, at least you have a chance to save the other 95% of the car.

satpink

iTrader: (9)

all i can say is look at the pics, my car went up last saturday, it was power steering fluid, dripping down onto headers, it started a fire which then started burning the wires etc, i had a small 1kg powder fire extinguisher, which didnt touch the fire, luckily there was a foreign wagon driver in front in the layby fast asleep, i managed to wake him & he produced a big powder extinguisher, which i managed to put fire out with, by time fire service turned up i had put it out, i'm definately getting a 9kg powder extinguisher, which i will be keeping in the passenger footwell

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/...k/DSC00059.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/...k/DSC00060.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/...k/DSC00061.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/...k/DSC00062.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/...k/DSC00063.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/...k/DSC00064.jpg


i'm glad i got braided lines for the fuel or it would have been game over anyway i get it back next week

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

Been there got the T-shirt, I emptied a full pub CO2 extinguisher on my 1st fire to put it out but the end results looked the same as yours. Most of the repair costs were in the respray My 2nd fire was exactlly as you described, power steering fluid dripping onto wrapped headers but my 1 ltr extinguisher took care of that I'm now seriuosly considering a full engine bay extinguisher setup

Northern Nick

iTrader: (1)

Dont mean to say anything negative but you should be able to put an engine fire out with the correct 1kg extinguisher (CO2 is probably best for an engine fire) if you know what you are doing with it.

I have recently done some basic fire fighting training and its impressive watching a trained fire fighter putting a reasonably large fire fire with a small extinguisher.

I'm not saying doing a fire fighting course is a must, but the last thing you do with an under bonnet fire is open the bonnet. With a CO2, your best bet would be to spray it up under the front end to get rid of all the oxygen (depending if an under tray is fitted), then slowly open the bonnet to check for flames and if you see them, keep the bonnet as closed as possible spraying the extinguisher around the flame area.

Sounds simple but in a paninc situation, it is a lot harder than you think.

If you are going to have a fire extinguisher in the car, you might be better doing a little research into how to use it.

satpink

iTrader: (9)

i didnt know at first it was a fire, just had loads of smoke pouring out from engine bay, no flames, panic took hold & i did my best in a scary situation, never had to put out any kind of fire before, now i've dealt with one i have a better idea of what to do, imo powder is best, thats what i'm getting

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

My 1st fire was noticing flames pouring out of my bonnet scoop and my wheel arches, I don't think a 1kg powder extinguisher would of put it out?? but 1 minute after stopping I had put the fire out with some help from a pub worker and a massive co2 extinguisher thru the intercooler Reacting the right way in a proper fire enviroment is easier said than done?? as you never know how you will react till it happens

Northern Nick

iTrader: (1)

I remember doing some welding on my car in the garage one day, the petrol tank was leaking unknown to me, the petrol caught fire from a spark on the welder and I hadn't noticed for a short while. When I did see it, I didn't know what to do, I ran out the garage and stood and watched from a safe distance. It Didn't seem to get any worse so I ran back in and grabbed a fire extinguisher, pointed it at the fire and pulled the trigger...................................nothing came out. I ran back out the garage and watch again, waiting for it to go bang! Still Didn't seem to get any worse again so I ran back in a grabbed another extinguisher, luckily this time, this one worked, put the fire out in a flash.

It is funny thinking back but I don't think I'll be as lucky next time

If there is a next time