Enduring the morning commute today, popped around a curve and there was a car on the shoulder, trunk and hood open - and foot-tall flames jetting merrily out of where I think the gas tank filler cap would be. Spotted a guy jogging back the road to a convenience store, I assumed to call the fire department, so I pulled in well in front of the burning car and ran back to see if anyone was inside. It was empty.

Now what to do? I have a small 1A-10BC fire extinguisher in my trunk, but did not think it would be effective on this fire unless I got in really close, to a fire that was already near the gas tank.

So I opted to go back to my car, get out my flares, walk back past the burning car to the curve in the road and try to direct cars into the other lane by waving a flare at them (it was misting rain). What do you firefighters think of that judgment call?

I think we've done this one before. Car fires can be very difficult to put out, sometimes the amount of water on the Fire Engine isn't enough. 1 small fire ext generally will not be enough. There are other concerns that the Fire/EMS people on the forum can address better than I. Explosion, toxic fumes, etc. I saw video of a car fire that the FD was having trouble with, a large construction water truck came by and that had enough water, but it had a 5 or 10, 000 gallon tank.

Dave

I think your judgement was pretty good. The fire extinguisher probably would have extinguised the fire, then the latent heat in the car's metal would have re-ignited it. You could probably have gone through the cycle a few times until you exhausted the extinguisher, accomplishing very little and exposing yourself to real danger. Burning gasoline is very dangerous particularly in a pressurized tank. You said you assumed someone called the FD. I assume you called as well.

Tire fires are also quite dangereous and are also very difficult to extinguish, without a lot of water.

The outcome seems pretty good with no one hurt.

My first rule of responding to situations like this is to not multiply the danger for anyone by acting too quickly, without assessing the situation. Rule two is always call for help.

I too feel you did the right thing.....IMHO.
If no one was trapped in the car and the vehicle was fully involved, there would be little to accomplish with an extinguisher. Not to make light of it, but for insurance purposes, it is probably better to let it burn.
Between exploding bumpers, gas tanks and toxic fumes, you made the right choice.
You never know, you may have saved a life by warning people of the problem.

It sounds like your extinguisher was to small to make any difference here. So If there is no one inside vehicle, just back off.
Car fires are very dangerous, not from just the heat and flames but the fumes and smoke given off are very toxic. for example car interiors can give off cyanide when burning, mechanical cylinders that control seat belts and some rear windows and doors that raise and lower can explode. shock absorbers can explode. Some automotive parts are manufactured from magnesium which can react with water violently.
The best thing to do is let the firefighters take care of it, they are trained to do the job.

As a firefighter I can say that you did the right thing. The car was a right-off - why take any risks?
Car fires produce very nasty toxic gases and breathing apparatus should be worn to fight them.
You did the best thing that you could have done.
"Scene Safety" is the first consideration at incidents on busy roads. By taking control of the traffic you made a useful contribution.

I would agree with the others, you did the right thing.

Pete

I used to work for General Motors at their main proving ground in Michigan. In one of the safety classes they gave us one big rule when it came to fires forward of the bulkhead (as opposed to those in the passenger compartment).

#1 - The most important thing to do is pull the release lever (usually in the passenger compartment) as soon as possible, but don't try to lift the hood.

#2 - Call for fire fighters.

#3 - Stand well away from the vehicle.

I guess in the event of a fire the little clamp that fastens the cable to the hood latch tends to heat up and come loose. This makes it VERY hard for the fire fighters to pop the hood.

Trying to lift the hood yourself will likely get you seriously burned and only provides more oxygen to the fire. Let the fire fighters lift the hood when they are ready to douse the flames.

Quite right KenK, good advice. Often the wire that runs from the release to the catch fails in the fire and it can be difficult to open the bonnet (hood).

That suggestion would be okay if you are in the car and pull the lever prior to exiting. I would not suggest under any circumstances, enter a car that is on fire to pull the lever. Stay Clear.

Pete