FIRE!!!

[dkn1997]

 

Took off from work yesterday to help a friend wire his new 10 car detached garage.  He has quite a collection of cars, all ford stuff.   '26 Lincoln Doctor's coupe, '29 model A pickup, '34 roadster, '50 woody wagon, '66 mustang GT fastback (289 4/spd, factory air, factory california emissions) '72 bronco.

anyway, I had dropped my car off for an oil change and about mid day, we decided to go pick it up.  so 3 of us jump into the '26 doctors coupe.  after we got my car, I was following him back, and it starts running like a bag 'o shit.  so we pull over and while he's trying to start it again,  near the carb.  this engine has the exhaust manifolds up top, right next to the carb.  i guess some gas spilled and hit the hot manifold.  We got real lucky in that some lady came out of her house with a fire extinguisher and it went out with one shot.

This car is near museum quality (was in a museum for 30 years until my friend got it and started driving it)
and as my buddy put it "we almost had a 75,000 dollar day!"  in the end, it barely damaged anything and will probably run fine after some carb work (with stuff this old, probably 2 grand worth of carb work!)

Turns out that we did have a fire extinguisher in the trunk, but it's been a long time since he drove the car and forgot it was there.

I POSTED THIS JUST REMIND EVERYONE THAT IT'S DIRT CHEAP INSURANCE TO HAVE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER IN YOUR OLD RIDE!!  MOST OF US HAVE NOT DITCHED THAT 40 YEAR OLD WIRING YET AND WE STILL RUN CARBS WITH POTENTIAL TO BACKFIRE AND IGNITE GAS.  AND DON'T PUT IT IN THE TRUNK, YOU MIGHT FORGET YOU HAVE IT.  KEEP IT SOMEWHERE HANDY

[Old Moparz]

Glad to hear the car wasn't badly damaged, & good reminder. 

I've had a fire extinguisher in my Satellite convertible ever since I've owned it, which was 1984. It's just a cheap disposable one, but it's right up front on the floor hump under the dash. I've replaced it twice from age. Old Chrysler products were notorious for being hit with electrical problems, & the previous owner of my first Charger had one that did damage in the engine compartment. He took care of it, but it opened my eyes to what could happen.

As long as we are talking extinguishers, don't forget to have one in the garage & house too.

[TylerCharger69]

Yeah...they come in pretty handy!!

[mikepmcs]

Ok, i'm taking my extinguisher out of the trunk today and putting it in the car up front.  If I don't do it today then I will forget to do it when spring rolls around. Thanks for the reminder.
Glad everything turned out ok and noone was hurt.
Also don't forget, these extinguishers can expire as well depending on the type you get.
v/r
Mike

[41husk]

I need to get an exstinguiser for each of my cars, I say this every year and never get it done.

[mikepmcs]

Walmart/Home Depot has all kinds for cheap.

I'm gonna get a couple more today for the woodshop and garage.
Can't have too many.

[whitehatspecial]

 

If you're buying a new extinguisher consider a Halon type. Expensive but leaves no white residue.

[Doc74]

Isn't it mandatory to have a fire extinguisher within reach ? Or is this only with non classics ?

I'm sure I'll find a spot in front of the passenger seat or something, I wouldn't want my car to burn to a crisp...altough I'm not sure at this point I'd notice the difference ...

[mikepmcs]

If you're buying a new extinguisher consider a Halon type. Expensive but leaves no white residue.

One note on Halon, it will suck all the oxygen out of the surrounding area and you could suffocate in an enclosed environment.

v/r
Mike

[PocketThunder]

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher

Halons

Halon fire extinguisherHalons are very versatile extinguishers. They will extinguish most types of fire except class D & K/F and are highly effective even at quite low concentrations (less than 5%). Halon is a poor extinguisher for Class A fires, a nine pound Halon extinguisher only receives a 1-A rating and tends to be easily deflected by the wind. They are the only fire extinguishing agents that are quite suitable for discharge in aircraft (as other materials pose a corrosion hazard to the aircraft). Halon fire-suppression systems are also incorporated into some armored fighting vehicles, such as the M1 Abrams tank. The major extinguishing effect is by disturbing the thermal balance of the flame, and to a small extent by inhibiting the chemical reaction of the fire. Halons are chlorofluorocarbons causing damage to the ozone layer and are being phased out for more environmentally-friendly alternatives. Halon fire extinguishers may cost upwards of 800 US dollars due to production and import restrictions.

Halon extinguishers used to be widely used in vehicles and computer suites. It is mildly toxic in confined spaces, but to a far less extent than its predecessors such as carbon tetrachloride, chlorobromomethane and methyl bromide.

Since 1992 the sale and service of Halon extinguishers has been made illegal in Canada due to environmental concerns except for in a few rare cases, as per the Montreal Protocol.

In the UK and Europe Halons were made illegal at the end of 2003, except for certain specific aircraft and law enforcement uses. This appears to be at least partially in response to the Montreal Protocol and effort by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to combat release of quantities of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.

[Doc74]

One note on Halon, it will suck all the oxygen out of the surrounding area and you could suffocate in an enclosed environment.

v/r
Mike

Hmmm anti theft device....

[mikepmcs]

Here's another great article on Halon uses and concerns.  It's worth a read.

Not bashing the use because we used it in the Navy, but just want all to be aware of the cautions/warnings.

http://erd.dli.mt.gov/safetyhealth/brochures/halon.pdf

v/r
Mike

[PocketThunder]

Summit Racing has fire extinguishers starting at $43.

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?Ns=P_SRE_DisplayPrice%7C0&N=700+-197597+115&Ntt=&Ntk=&rsview=sku&RC=10

[BrianShaughnessy]

My extinguisher is mounted in front of my driver's seat.

There are car shows run by the AACA (? not sure on the acronym) that require you to have an extinguisher in your car or you will be disqualified.

Anyway hope it works out.   

[Shakey]

If one really wants to get trick, you could have the extinguisher hooked up to some hard lines running under the dash and into the engine bay.  First sign of fire, pull the pin and pull the trigger right from the driver's seat.  Not sure if it is possible, but it would be nice to be able to block off either passage depending on where the fire is.

Don't forget about the battery quick disconnects!   

[TruckDriver]

Thats a good pointer. I'll get one for my Charger and Dakota. It would be a blessing if my Ford mini van burnt up

[chargerboy69]

Here's another great article on Halon uses and concerns.  It's worth a read.

Not bashing the use because we used it in the Navy, but just want all to be aware of the cautions/warnings.

http://erd.dli.mt.gov/safetyhealth/brochures/halon.pdf

v/r
Mike

Guys. . I work for the Fire Marshalls Office in Indiana. Halons are the best, and only type to have in you car. If you get the cheep extinguishers from Walmart, they are usually only good for 6 months or so. And half the time they will not work at all, even if the gauge reads that it is charged. Never, never buy the brand Kidde. . . You do not need to be concerned with using a Halon extinguisher. Contrary to what has been said here,  you can buy Halon extinguishers brand new today. If people want a Halon extinguisher I can get one for you. DO NOT use the ABC powder type extinguisher for your car. Nothing will ruin the wiring under your hood, or your engine, than shooting a powder extinguisher under the hood of your car.

[hemi68charger]

Amen to the extinguishers !!!  I know all about that NOW...... 

[MOPARHOUND!]

We carry some cheap ones from Wal-Mart in our vehicles.

----------------------------------------------------

Not a fire, but a scary situation.

Moved my car in and out of the garage last March after setting all Winter.

Garage had the strong smell of gas, and I thought it odd that exhaust would be that rich.

Glad I raised the hood, as the 2 year old rubber fuel line on the Holley carb had a small crack.  It was spraying gas on the fenderwell next to the header when the car was running, something you couldn't see with the hood down.

I really need to get those changed to steel.

[chargerboy69]

We carry some cheap ones from Wal-Mart in our vehicles.

I am sorry to say those are junk. Hopefully those will work for you if you ever need them. Good luck. .

[Neal_J]

In an emergency, ANY fire extinguiher - even those from WalMart - is better than nothing.

Great suggestion.

Neal

[tan top]

that was lucky .could of been a lot worse .
            Shakey i have read about  some thing like that , there is some sort of plastic line that is sealed at one end .with the other going to a  fire extinguisher tank in the trunk . the line is continuously under pressure . you can run the line any where . run it along the wire harnesses fix it to the in side of the hood etc . the plastic line is made out of a special plastic that melts & leaves small holes the line at a certain temperature . extinguishing stuff right where it is needed .

[Skued]

My boat has automatic fire suppression system called Fireboy, http://www.fireboy-xintex.com/fire_extinguishing.html .  I know it's for marine use and the activation temp. seem pretty low (175 F), but why couldn't something similar work?

Steve

[Shakey]

that was lucky .could of been a lot worse .
            Shakey i have read about  some thing like that , there is some sort of plastic line that is sealed at one end .with the other going to a  fire extinguisher tank in the trunk . the line is continuously under pressure . you can run the line any where . run it along the wire harnesses fix it to the in side of the hood etc . the plastic line is made out of a special plastic that melts & leaves small holes the line at a certain temperature . extinguishing stuff right where it is needed .

What I described was something similar to what we used to run on the stock car.

[chargerboy69]

In an emergency, ANY fire extinguiher - even those from WalMart - is better than nothing.

Great suggestion.

Neal

I have to disagree with you on that one. . . I go to so many fires where people have tried to put out the small fire with, "one from Walmart" and they do not work. By the time they run around, and finally find another one that works, or another way to put out the fire, the fire is to large for them to do anything about. You need to spend the money on a commercial grade extinguisher, and get it out the first time.

[MOPARHOUND!]

You are a fireman?

And if they don't work, why are they still selling them?  Need to pull them off the market?

If Wal-Mart's fire extinguishers don't work, they are open for a lawsuit.

[Shakey]

Here come the lawyers!   

[Charger_Fan]

Well, I'm glad it wasn't your Charger, even though I'm sure the other car was nice too.

Thats a good pointer. I'll get one for my Charger and Dakota. It would be a blessing if my Ford mini van burnt up

You jinxed yourself. Now it's never gonna burn up & you won't be fortunate enough to have someone total it for you either...it's just gonna keep running 'til the cows come home.

[Ghoste]

I've heard of the cheaper ones caking up or something like that if they sit too long in one position.  Apparently you should move them around once in awhile?  Urban myth?
Wouldn't they all have to meet some kind of UL or CSA standard?

[Charger1973]

I have one in my 79 Blazer, its been there under the drivers seat for at least 5 years.  It probably needs replaced...  I think i'll take a look next time I get in it. 


Yeah halon is what we had in our Bradleys when I was in the Army.  Learning how to use it and get out of the vehicle is one of the training tasks you have to do in basic training to become a Cavalry Scout. 

[TylerCharger69]

Well...since I removed my console  (what was left of it)  I have a great place to mount that extinguisher....right between the front seats!!!

[MOPARHOUND!]

I've heard of the cheaper ones caking up or something like that if they sit too long in one position.  Apparently you should move them around once in awhile?  Urban myth?
Wouldn't they all have to meet some kind of UL or CSA standard?

The one I grabbed says UL listed.  It is First Alert brand, Made in USA by BRK Brands, Inc., Aurora, IL.  Contents Manufacturer:  Ansul Fire Protection, Marinette, WI.

Do they have a life expectancy? 

[chargerboy69]

You are a fireman?

And if they don't work, why are they still selling them?  Need to pull them off the market?

If Wal-Mart's fire extinguishers don't work, they are open for a lawsuit.

I work for a Fire Marshalls Office in the state of Indiana. My job is to go around and make sure businesses are up to fire code, including extinguishers, alarms and systems. I have been doing this for 8 years. I teach classes on using fire extiguishers. And consult and advise companys on what they need as far as fire protection.

Manys of these have been pulled from the market. Why they all have not, I do not know. There have been many lawsuits against the one main company for crappy products. This past year Kidde extiguishers did a large recall. Extiguishers from over a span of 12 years were recalled.

[TylerCharger69]

Wouldn't an extinguisher that was suited for A,B, and C fires suffice in a vehicle?...I mean...yes...it does put powdery residue all over but...it does wash off!!!   Just asking since the Halon extinguishers seem to have many dangers.

[chargerboy69]

Do they have a life expectancy? 

The cheep ones usually are good for 6 months or so. I have seen many from Walmart that do not work right out of the box. Some of the better brands, Amerex and Ansul will last for years. I see many commercial grade extinguishers from the 1940's. Like anything, you get what you pay for.

[chargerboy69]

Wouldn't an extinguisher that was suited for A,B, and C fires suffice in a vehicle?...I mean...yes...it does put powdery residue all over but...it does wash off!!!   Just asking since the Halon extinguishers seem to have many dangers.

A dry chemical ABC extinguisher will work for any car.The problem is, why buy one when you have other options.

The Halon is also a ABC rated extinguisher, and is not dangerous. That is a myth that has been blown out of proportion. Some tree huggers got together back in the mid 90's and said it was bad for the environment. You can still buy Halon fire extinguishers off the shelf today. They are making them now, and for many years to come.

The problem with powder is, that if it gets down the carb, your screwed. You do not want that powder down in your heads and then into your cylinder walls. If it gets in the wiring your screwed. . . Another reason not to use a powder ABC for your Charger, they have been known to stain or remove the paint off of vehicles. .  Someone in a earlier post asked about them "caking up". That is true. After a while, the powder will turn to concrete. Federal law is that the are to be shot off every so many years to prevent that. Another option would be a CO2 extinguisher. However they can get a little large to take in a vehicle. Those are better for your shop.

For you Charger the best extinguisher is a Halon 2 1/2# or Halon 5# extinguisher.

[PocketThunder]

Here we go.  $90 for the 1-1/2 #  is pretty cheap insurance if you ask me.   

http://www.h3r.com/products/home_vehicle.htm

[TylerCharger69]

Well...all that makes sense to me.   So the "environmentally unsafe" myth is just a....myth then huh?   I wonder who came up with that one.

[mikepmcs]

Ok, i'm no trying to start an argument here or to challenge your knowledge concerning fire extinguishers, product hazards etc...., but I've been in the Navy for 20 years and flying as a Combat Aircrewman( yes the navy has those) for about 14 of them( I have stories I will not share).  One of the things you learn in bootcamp is fire fighting.  And then depending where you go, you have some or more of that training every year(think shipboard fire fighting in an enclosed space).  Bottom line is, THAT IS NO MYTH!.  Halon displaces oxygen, and can cause asphyxiation.  I'm not saying it's not a great product(because it definitely puts the fire out better than most and leaves no residue) but I'm just trying to make people aware of the possible repercussions of using this toxic product.  I would never displace a Halon bottle in the enclosed part of my car because I would be dead.  (Odorless, colorless, does that ring a bell with anyone)

Now that being said, not everyone on this site is trained in this sort of thing or is aware of the hazards of certain things, just like I don't pretend to know anything about motors and I learn from the experts on this site but......

I would feel awfully bad if someone on here bought a Halon extinguisher without knowing the possibility of the danger associated with it and a youngster was in the car with them, who's immune system might not be as strong as an older person(you see where i'm going with this).  I was merely providing information so everyone can make an educated choice on what they intend to use.  I think we all agree that an extinguisher is a good thing in every part of the home, shop, garage, etc....  No argument there, but use the product with education and always adhere to the cautions and intended use.. 



v/r
Mike

[Chargen69]

I've heard of the cheaper ones caking up or something like that if they sit too long in one position.  Apparently you should move them around once in awhile?  Urban myth?
Wouldn't they all have to meet some kind of UL or CSA standard?

Mine rolls around on the floor, I wonder if thats enough to keep the cake away

[whitehatspecial]

I can understand the concern about Halon, but who in their right mind would disperse a fire extinguisher in a closed vehicle and be inside at the same time? Or with a child inside? The one knock on Halo is it probably won't work on a windy day because it will be dispersed too quickly.
The benefits definately outweigh the risks when it comes down to the vehicle(s) people on this site eat, sleep and breath on a daily basis.
I have had Halo bottles in my cars since the early 80's and even considered putting in an automatic Halon extinguisher in my garage. They are mounted on the ceiling and have a heat sensor that will go off automatically.
I decided against this because I always disconnect the negative terminal on the batteries and therefore there is no power in the cars.
I would also recommend having a hard wired interconnected smoke detector (will set off the hardwired ones in the house) should a fire break out in the garage. My garage is detached and we ran a wire back to the house in the power conduit, for the smoke detectors.

[mikepmcs]

You missed the point I was trying to make.   Vehicle on fire, kid inside, panic etc.......    kid still inside........

You are obviously a very astute individual and have a great sense of awareness in your surroundings......great setup in your home, garage, cars, etc......

But you lack amiability.  Please don't take offense, not everyone thinks the same way.

I like the disconnect the battery thing though and the hard wire deal. Good one on that!!!

It's all good, i'm done with this thread, I've said my peace.  I'll by my extinguishers at Walmart or the Home Depot every 6 months and clean up my residue(forbid)

v/r
Mike

[firefighter3931]

Well here's my  and i know a little bit about fire extinguishers 

A standard ABC will get the job done, no problemo. Dry chem is effective on all 3 classes of fires ; solids, fuel and electrical. Sure it makes a bit of a mess but the alternative is much worse....think crispy critter charger. 

CO2 also works well but is bulky, the reservoir tanks are much larger than a dry chem extinguisher. But, they are not recommended for class B fires (flammable liquids)

Halon as mentioned above is used primarily for electrical fires where high end equipment (electronics/computers etc) are involved. It is also very expensive to purchase.


The shelf life on a dry chem is usually 10 years. The better extinguishers are refillable and come with a guage on the handle....those are what i would use. It is also recommended to turn them upside down a couple of times every 6 months to keep the chemical from solidifying. I will keep an ABC dry chem in my car when it hits the streets this year. 



Ron

[TylerCharger69]

That's what I was thinking firefighter.....It's cheaper to go that way  and I already have two extinguishers with that gauge on it.

[derailed]

Ok, i'm no trying to start an argument here or to challenge your knowledge concerning fire extinguishers, product hazards etc...., but I've been in the Navy for 20 years and flying as a Combat Aircrewman( yes the navy has those) for about 14 of them( I have stories I will not share).  One of the things you learn in bootcamp is fire fighting.  And then depending where you go, you have some or more of that training every year(think shipboard fire fighting in an enclosed space).  Bottom line is, THAT IS NO MYTH!.  Halon displaces oxygen, and can cause asphyxiation.  I'm not saying it's not a great product(because it definitely puts the fire out better than most and leaves no residue) but I'm just trying to make people aware of the possible repercussions of using this toxic product.  I would never displace a Halon bottle in the enclosed part of my car because I would be dead.  (Odorless, colorless, does that ring a bell with anyone)

Now that being said, not everyone on this site is trained in this sort of thing or is aware of the hazards of certain things, just like I don't pretend to know anything about motors and I learn from the experts on this site but......

I would feel awfully bad if someone on here bought a Halon extinguisher without knowing the possibility of the danger associated with it and a youngster was in the car with them, who's immune system might not be as strong as an older person(you see where i'm going with this).  I was merely providing information so everyone can make an educated choice on what they intend to use.  I think we all agree that an extinguisher is a good thing in every part of the home, shop, garage, etc....  No argument there, but use the product with education and always adhere to the cautions and intended use.. 



v/r
Mike

I also agree that this can be a hazard if not handled properly. i saw this with my own eyes once when a friend of mine who I use to work with had one discharge in his truck. the extinguisher had broken loose and was rolling around freely under the bunk in his sleeper and somehow the pin came out. He was able to pull over and get out of the truck but unable to breath for a minute. What a mess the inside of the truck was.

[Paul G]

I fella at one of the cruise night last summer was talking about a fuel fire that started in his 67 Camaro inside his garage. He had considerable damage before he was able to put it out. He didn't have any extinguishers around. Scared me enough to go pick up three of these at Menard's the following weekend. This one is mounted in the trunk. The others are in my DD pickup and on the side of my workbench.

[myk]

My console died a long time ago.  In its place is a fat fire extinguisher.  People laugh when they see it, but I'd rather look like a ricer driving a muscle car than someone trying to put out a car fire...