Thread: Fire extinguisher location - passenger side only.

Originally Posted by Brad

Has anyone had cause to (effectively) use an onboard fire extinguisher and if so, could you please outline the scenario?

The RFS people I've talked to thus far have been consistent in calling it a waste of time, argument being any car fire you come across will not be put out by a portable extinguisher.

It was a few years back now, but one of our one ton single axle GMC's suffered only minor damage from a fire caused by a broken fuel line in the engine compartment. We credited the 2.5 pound fire extinguisher rather than just the fire going out by itself.

Up until then, I had always regarded these itty bitty fire extinguishers as a waste of money.

Double post!

[Originally Posted by Brad
Has anyone had cause to (effectively) use an onboard fire extinguisher and if so, could you please outline the scenario?]

I've had a 1KG powder type mounted to the cargo barrier since I bought the Disco in 97. Never needed it until last week when I took the Disco for a short drive around the block after standing for two months. Passed a Mazda hatchback with smoke pouring from the hood and pulled over to lend a hand, first thought was to disconnect the battery but after popping the hood the battery was already well alight and even the insulation under the hood was on fire. I grabbed the 17 year old extinguisher which I know I should have changed years ago but it worked a treat and the fire was out in seconds. I guess all the bouncing around in a 4x4 stops the powder from settling too much.
Anyway the lady was very grateful and she popped around to my place with a couple of bottles of wine and a Bunnings voucher to say thanks and to replace the extinguisher.
Apparently the insurer wrote the car off though as the car was about 10 year old it was probably not economical to repair at todays rates.

I picked up a shiny new Extinguisher at the Rosehill show

Cheers
Mark

I carry at least 1 x 2.5kg DCP extinguisher (ABE) with me on any long travels.

A 1kg is better than nothing thou, and takes up much less room.

Only time I have had to use it in anger, was when I was coming along the freeway, and a car with a trailer had pulled over with smoke pouring out of his trailer bearings. They were shot, and had caught alight.

Quick squirt with the extinguisher, and problem sorted.


Just a word of caution. If you do ever have, or come across, an engine fire, do NOT lift the bonnet. Release the catch, and shoot your extinguisher thru the gap, over the top of the engine.

The reasons are two-fold.

1) The sudden in rush of air can fuel & flare the fire up, not only making it worse, but if you are holding the bonnet at the time, you are right in line for getting engulfed.

2) DCP (Dry Chemical Powder) extinguishers work best in still air. If the bonnet is up, and you have wind coming from the side, it may blow the powder away from the fire you are trying to put out. By leaving the bonnet down, you reduce this, plus the powder can settle onto the engine & fire.



Personally, if a DCP extinguisher is discharged in my engine bay, or inside the cab, I would be pushing the insurance company HARD for a complete write off. You will never get rid of the powder, and eventually, it WILL eat your wiring, rubber, plastics, stainless steel.....

Mounted in the rear covered by the cargo blind

Bought the one that Drifta sell and it fits perfect in the passenger door cubby at the bottom. Smaller size so easy to store with a larger one in the tailgate of the camper trailer

Originally Posted by dukemasterpro

Bought the one that Drifta sell and it fits perfect in the passenger door cubby at the bottom. Smaller size so easy to store with a larger one in the tailgate of the camper trailer

If by passenger door cubby, you mean the drink/wine bottle holder, I'd be concerned that the fire extinguisher is not restrained in that location and becomes a deadly projectile in a collision.

Originally Posted by BSM

If by passenger door cubby, you mean the drink/wine bottle holder, I'd be concerned that the fire extinguisher is not restrained in that location and becomes a deadly projectile in a collision.

Late reply to this but we keep it stored horizontal the wine bottle slot has my wife's lotions and potions for the sun