Found out today, the small fire extinguishers I carry in my cars, won't put out much of a fire. My wife and I were in the drive through at Mc Donalds, and a small SUV, two car in front of me started to smoke a little, The young lady got out, opened the hood, and closed it, and asked the car in front to pull up a little, as she was able to pull around, and drive out. After we got our food, drove around the corner, and here fire is coming out the pass window, and windshield. Grabbed my Ext, and shot it at the fire, slowed it down, but just like that it was empty, and flames got real big,and I backed up, as the air bags starting to explode, and seemed like took for ever for the fire truck, and she parked under a tree, and I told my wife get in the car and we moved away. When the fire was out SUV complete loss, and started to burn the tree. So I learned the Ext, I carry in my autos, won't put out much of a fire. If I had knew it was fire when first saw, may have put it out? Now, I thinking, I need to carry larger EXT, or two? Also told my wife, now I'm kind of scared to be in a line you can't get out of. So glad she was able to move and did, or my truck could of be in trouble. She also had a small child with her, glad they were OK. I don't usually eat much lunch, but my wife does a lot with her friends. I told her it was sure fun to go to lunch with you.

 

A 1A 10BC will do well. If that won't extinguish it get away. Aim at the base of the flames.

Kudos to you for trying to help, we need more of it!!!

 

I've heard before that the smaller vehicle extinguishers run out quickly - many folks here in the 4WD community carry multiple of them for just that reason. I got a CO2 extinguisher for garage and home use as I don't EVER want to have to clean up that extinguisher powder afterwards. The bonus is the CO2 extinguisher is refillable (and can also be used on bee swarms).

 

We used to have fire extinguishing exercises where I used to work. They were fires with propane shooting out of orifices in pipes. It really was fun and gave you a thrill to be able to put out a big fire! But I am sure attempting to put out a vehicle fire would be really hard, what with the nooks and crannys, I think it would be almost impossible to smouther it out. Good on you for helping!! Glad no one was hurt.

 

Glad nobody was hurt and the fire department eventually arrived. What a story!

 

You need to disconnect the battery

 

I had a Bronco two catch on fire down town Chico one day shortly after an engine swap. Once the plastic that sou rounds everything in the engine bay gets hot and burning, you almost can't put it out. Beings, it was rush hour and I had traffic stopped many sacrificed their extinguishers(14) to no avail. Took a Fire truck with a I" inch hose and foam to get the job done. Bronco was toast. Engine builder paid my insurance co. for the truck and the new engine. If the fire once gets going, a small extinguisher isn't going to do much, be quick or just get away..... Tedd