Good advice about holding something in place.

A friend of a friend died after getting in an accident and a hammer that was floating around smashed their skull. They survived the auto 'accident' but the hammer missile finished them

Some other countries ( Brazil, for example ) require fire extinguishers in the vehicle. They are normally mounted in front of the front passenger seat on the floor. I was looking for one for my car, and after doing an internet search, found out you could get OEM mounting brackets for common sizes, but they are not readily available in the U.S.

I do carry a fire extinguisher, unfortunately, it's not mounted. (Yes, the top is protected!). I also carry a set of gloves, per the training I've had before. I will add one of those rescue knives.

In front of the driver's seat is where you want to mount it. You want to be able to reach it while belted into the driver's seat. Most of the German manufacturers (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) make brackets for their cars to satisfy requirements of various countries. The key is to find a source for these non-North American parts.

First link I tried found what looks like a good steel fire extinguisher mounting bracket - http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.cfm/pid_4709_amerex_vehicle_marine_aviation_bracket/. I think I should be able to find one like it at a local storefront. At least it doesn't look like we'll have to special order from the EU or from the local BMW / Mercedes car parts pirates.

Looks like the brackets that came on my larger ext. from Costco.

I don't know about Mercedes, but the BMW bracket fits perfectly into predrilled locations in the front seat. Installation is super easy and has a "factory" look. BMW also has its own fire extinguisher, but that's a story for another day. Could be worth paying a little more for an easy, clean installation. YMMV.

Craig.

In another thread, First Alert's Tundra fire extinguishing spray was mentioned. Any thoughts on if this would be a good alternative for cars?

From a size perspective, it seems like it could be easily stored in a glove box or console, eliminating the whole mounting issue.

My reservations on this type of extinguisher is loss of pressure over time because of a cheap, plastic, spray can-type valve. This is particularly an issue in a car subject to a wide range of temperatures. As it does not have a pressure gauge, you won't know anything is wrong until you go to use it.

Craig.

This topic is more "General" than just Urban - going to do my first "Management" attempt, and move it upstairs to the general survival forum

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.