I would like to note the original post has two separate and opposing questions really.

1. With regards to safety and survival, is it better to open the hood or keep the hood closed while getting far away? (I say the answer to this question is keep the hood closed and get far away, and pop the latch first if you have the time and nerves to do so.)

2. With regards to putting the fire out quickly without regards to the best safety, is it best to open the hood or keep the hood closed? (I say the answer to this is get that hood open somehow and get some extinguisher on that fire; and that's a job for a trained professional.)