In a boat, your worst enemy is fire. Jumping into the water is not always an advisable alternative. Fighting the fire, even if you are left with a burnt out floating hulk, can be preferable to hopping in the drink. Hypothermia, drowning and marine life can all cause problems.
In a car, I would think it is a good idea, but more so for the other guy. If I have evacuated my vehicle and its occupants are safe, I say let it burn. That's why I pay insurance. I would rather wait for the settlement check at home than in the burn ward undergoing skin grafts.
That's very true about boats I hadn't thought of that side of things (critters in there).
-Todd
I see nothing wrong with fighting a car fire. Trying to minimize damage should not be a problem, but the risks should be considered. If fighting the fire presents to hihg a risk of injury, then let it burn.
The risks on the water are much higher. You need not be far away from land for the risks to be such that you have few choices other than to fight the fire. You may have a life raft, but getting into it you risk vomiting, and therefore dehydration, exposure and hypothermia, because most rafts leak, and that's if the raft works WELL. If the raft fails, the risks are higher. A former engineer of mine went into the water for minutes, less than 1/4 mile from land. His crewmates saw him and tried immediately to get him out, but he did not come out alive.
Also, never forget, fighting a fire in on a boat or ship with water presents another risk: you could sink if you pour too much water on the fire.
Previous Topic
Index
