Fire Extinguisher
 

Befor4e i spend half a day wasting time looking for one. What type/size are in your cars? Where did you purchase? Thanks guys.
Paul in CT :):)

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Paul,

I get my fire extingushers at Wal-Mart in the Marine/boater section. They are made by "Kidde" and are aluminum bodied. Rated at 10-B:C (what ever that means?) and can be used on liquid or electrical fires. They are approx. 14" long & 3" in diameter. It weights around 4 lbs. and is my best buddy when I'm driving one of my cars: i.e. right beside me ready to rock n' roll if needed!:cool:

When I was in a local antique car club back in my high school days. One of our members lost a unique (and very expensive) Rolls Royce to a fire.
The guy stated he could have saved the car if he only had had a fire extingusher!:eek:

They are the first thing I get for a car when I buy one.;)

Bob-A:D

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

I got mine at ACE hardware. I have one in every car and truck I own. I was in a parade several years ago with my roadster, and the battery hold down shorted out on the negative cable and the battery started on fire. I had an extinguisher under the seat and put the fire out. Good thing I had the extinguisher, as the fire dept, who was also in the parade, went by throwing candy, oblivious to the fire in the car.

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Boy,this post just reminded me I need a fire extinguisher for my A. Of all the cars I own,the A is the one most likely to catch fire.

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Kidde is an excellent brand. Be sure you sto it safely. It can be a weapon of destruction in a crash. Mine is bungeed in a expandable truck rack on the running board. I keep a gallon of water there and some oil. I can reach the extinguisher quickly and others car see it easily. Be sure to check the gauge monthy for full pressure. Also familarize yourself with the operating instructions.

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

I usually carry a two litter bottle of water for drinking, or for someone's radiator if need be. I'd also use it for a fire if need be. If the water can't put the fire out, then go to the much more messy dry chemical.

BTW, have you noticed how many more roadside burn marks are out there since the advent of ethanol, which eats rubber parts. It disintegrated the rubber fuel connection from the tank to the steel line on my 1949 Chevy truck, and I lost a full tank of gas. It also ate the rubber fuel line to the carb on my Dodge Omni, and I had a small engine fire when the gas sprayed onto the hot exhaust.

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

The most common, and probably the best, extinguishers are dry-powder. They work really well but leave somewhat of a mess, a minor inconvenience compared to a burned-down car. CO-2 works well too, and leaves no mess.

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Yes, I have noticed theburns. Hope no one was hurt. We just finished a 7400 mile trip across the US. Lots of burn marks.
In one state they were serving up 85.5 gas. Any idea what that is? It was more expensive than 87 octane.

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Clem.

85 is 85% ethanol 15% real gasoline. Usually cheaper here in the mid-west than pure gasoline, but gets worse mileage and power. In the end it usually works out as a wash for overall savings in newer cars.

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

I use one made by Kidde, it's A B C Trash/Liquids/ Elect. Got it at wal-mart.
It fits great in my coupe under the seat on the pass. side, easy to get to, I did not use the mount that came with it, you really dont need one as it does not move around.
I keep one in the kitchen, the garage, and one in the "A" model.

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

The problem with the "Kidde" fire extinguishers are that they are a "dry chemical" type. They make a terrible mess when used and the powder is extremely corrosive to most metal surfaces. Spend the extra money and buy a "HalGuard" type (the new version of Halon). It is a gas that will starve the oxygen from the fire and leave no residue (that's why they are used for fires involving computers and electronics). Fire protection for your prized possession is not the place to be cheap! A 2.5 lb will run you $160 and a 5 lb will be $260 at Summitracing.com. Isn't your car worth that much?

Jim

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

I carry Halon fire extinguishers in all of my cars. No mess, and they can be used over and over again.

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

I'll attest to the mess that the Kidde extinguisher made, but it just vacuumed right up and everything was fine. It also put out my smoldering wiring between the gas tank and the firewall. I'll take a little messy powder over an extra crispy Model A.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...g?t=1312905428

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...g?t=1312905453

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...g?t=1312905470

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

:eek::eek::eek: WOW

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Does'nt Halon mess with your lungs or is that the old stuff?

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Halon gas is a chemical compound that is often used in fire suppression systems. While several different types of halon have been developed since this product was first invented, many were dangerous or deadly to humans. Since the late 20th century, two safer types of halon have replaced earlier versions. These include the liquefied type 1211 and type 1301 halon gas. Both are known by the scientific name bromotrifluoromethane.

Fire requires oxygen, heat and a source of fuel in order to burn. Some early halon gas products would cut off the oxygen supply in a room in order to suppress a fire. While this was an effective way to extinguish a fire, it could also kill any people who were in the room at the time. Newer halon systems simply prevent oxygen from reacting with a fuel source to create a fire, making them much safer for occupants.

The primary benefit to halon gas is its ability to quickly extinguish a fire without damaging items within the room. It is non-conductive, non-volatile, and leaves no residue once the fire has been suppressed. This makes halon a popular choice for computer labs, museums and libraries. It is also an effective choice for protecting electrical equipment, and is often used in boats and airplanes. Halon gas may be used in an overhead fire suppression systems or in a chemical fire extinguisher.

While the two currently used types of halon gas are not generally considered deadly, they can still produce toxic by-products as they work to extinguish a fire. Occupants in a room should exit quickly when a halon system is activated, and should not re-enter until all gas fumes have dissipated. It is also important to recharge the system once it has been activated to ensure continuous protection against fire.

The Montreal Protocol of 1987 established halon gas as an environmental risk, along with many other types of refrigerants and chemicals that are linked to ozone depletion. In accordance with this Protocol, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned production of new halon products starting in 1994. Those with existing systems are still permitted to use halon, and existing supplies are carefully monitored to provide for maintenance and refills as needed. All halon must be recycled in accordance with EPA guidelines to minimize adverse effects on the environment. According to the EPA, current supplies are expected to last at least through 2030.

Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-halon-gas.htm

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

My advice would be to buy a couple of the dry chemical type so you have them where you need them (garage, car, kitchen). One Halon in the car isn't much good if the fire is somewhere else. I am not rich enough to afford several Halon extinguishers. I had an interesting experience with the dry chemical type. I had them in the car to give away as Christmas presents and passed a car burning on the side of the freeway. It was well engulfed but a couple of them put out the fire. If the owner had one in the car he could have saved it while the fire was small.

Charlie Stephens

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

To JASON in Texas,

All I can think of to say in response to your post on this subject is that the old addage; A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words". :) AND, you have proven it extremely well.

I read printed stuff all the time and love doing it. BUT, when I see something like this latest post of your's, I have to say that Thank God there are folks out there today (such as yourself) who have mastered the techique of putting it into words and Pictures.

I am a writer for an International Magazine and I can only WISH that I could have put it better myself. SIR, you should be a "writer" (if you ain't already.....)

Thanks for the photos and the text to put it "right out there". Could not have done it better...................:p

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

OOPS, sorry Jason, I hadn't taken the time to check your BIO prior to my previous note above...................................

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Hey Guys, for what it is worth... A good ABC (the three basic types of fire rating for fire extinguishers) will do good on an electrical or internal (non-Fuel based) fire. Water is a bad idea, you need a ton and if it is small you may still have electricity flowing. The only bad deal will be if your fuel catches on fire, then you want a fire department with lots of water and lots of foam to sit on top of your fuel and smother it out. I volunteer as a fire fighter and just put out at 2002 Beetle two days ago, got to love the foam.

Eric

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Years ago I had my Corvair parked over some tall dry grass and the hot exhaust started the grass on fire. I ran to the kitchen and grabbed the fire extinguisher. I emptied it, and it didn't even put out the 4 foot by 4 foot patch of grass on fire. I then gabbed a broom and finished the job. What I sould have done is just jump in the car and drive it forward out of the grass fire. I've put out some grass fires with very little water. A 2 litter bottle with a 1/8" hole drilled in the cap can be aimed quite easily at the base of the flame and works very well for me.

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Thanks Bobpo! Yeah. Having a TV background, I'm always story telling with pictures in mind. I usually try to post here with both information and photos. I think it helps convey the message a little better! Also, when stuff like that happens in my life, I usually think, "I better take a picture of this!" :D

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Got what I needed at Walmart, $18. Now I'll have peace of mind. This is something I should have done last year, but I'm a procrastinator.
Paul in CT

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Paul,
I have several A/B/C type ext that are placed about the garage/cars and that brings piece of mind in case of dreded fire. I have heard many stories and have seen pics of Model A car caused fires (shorted wires/gas leaks/spark=). Fire ext are a comfort to have, but I'm surprised at the number of As that do NOT have a master cut off switch...in case of sizziling wires/gas leaks,etc.. Having the ability to immediately cut off the electricity (I.E. SPARK) entirely to all of the electrical circuits...is almost as important ...to prevent combustion...as an extinguisher is to puting out a flame! One is as important as the other , in my view/experience.

As an example, there is a parts supplier that sells a "clear ruby red" gas hose for Model A/others. This stuff is DANGEROUS to use (quickly crystalizes/cracks) and I've told them so(but they continue to sell it..go figure)! Thanks God, I had the hood off of my '30 roadster and cruising. Notices a pinhole sized stream of gas going straight up about a foot tall and all over the engine and header:eek:! Scared the heck right out of me, as I could see the car burning up..in my mind! Made an emergency curb stop AFTER SHUTTING down the master shut off and the ignition switches. To my relief...NO Flame...proveing once again that gasoline will not ignite without a spark...as the gas was evaporating off of a smoking hot header pipe:eek::eek: Felt good having the backup abc ext:cool:

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Hardtimes: I already have a master cut off switch under driver's seat and an electric fuel shut off. First things I did.
paul in CT

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

I carry one of the aforementioned Kidde units in my "A". I've never had to use one on my car (luckily). But carried a fancy Chrome one between the seats in a '40 Chevy street rod I had (in a past life i.e. before bitten by the Model "A" bug) which I threw to a guy two cars down when his high dollar dual quad hemi powered Willys started shooting 1' foot flames in the air. It put out the fire and saved a whole bunch of closely parked cars. I've never been without one since.

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

I have a halon in the car, halon in the kitchen, 30 lb co2 next to the lift, + a 5lb co2 for quick squirts --refill when near empty, and 10-20 lb dry chemical under the light switches in each room in the shop ---it saves time looking for the extinguisher --you are always using the light switches and you know where they are in a panic---

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

wHEN YOU REFER TO LIQUID IS THAT INCLUDING GASOLINE?

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Jason's experience also happened to me 2 months ago, but fortunately the smoldering wires behind the dash didn't spread to other more tender areas. I didn't have time to use the extinguisher I keep under my seat. I'm wondering how many of you have had wiring fry between the D box and the instrument panel. I simply had to replace the wire loom and ammeter which also got fried. The smoke from the smoldering wire was about the worst I've ever experienced. I read recently that auto wires are designed to provide one smoke, which is a telltale of a problem requiring immediate attention.

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Last year at work, I work at the Kennedy Space Center, I took a fire fighting familiarization class and the instructor was adamant about the respatory dangers of dry chemicals. I took this article from the listed web site.

http://www.firesupplydepot.com/faqs.html

Is there any health risk in using the Fire Extinguisher?

Answer - Dry Powder Extinguisher
Yes - Dry Powder Chemical extinguishers have been known to cause serious respiratory problems after use. You must avoid inhaling Dry Powder Chemicals. Avoid getting Dry Powder Chemical into your eyes, especially if you wear contact lenses. Dry Powder Chemicals can cause serious skin irritation. You can't control the application of Dry Powder Chemicals so caution should be taken when used around children or pets.

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

All this talk of extinguishers and not talk about how they work and how to use them.

Halon is great, no mess. BUT it is does not put out all fires. It can only take away the oxygen. If you have a constant fuel source and constant ignition source the Halon is not going to do the job. Consider leaves and a blowing wind. The halon will take away the flame, but not the heat. The wind can bring the embers up to temp for more flame.

CO2 is the same idea.

Dry chem smothers the fire. Messy, but longer lasting.

I can remember a motorhome we had. It burned up the tranny going to Hershey and on the way home the field rebuild failed to clear all the crap from the converter. The tranny would move the motorhome and trailer, but at every stop you had to JUMP out and blast the tranny fluid that caught fire as soon as it hit the air as it squirted out at a stop. The drill was quick and simple. Stop, open door jump out on the ground and a quick short blast of Halon and the flame went out. One time I got out and there was a bit of a breeze and it did not go out so quick, a hairy half second of flame! Halon is great, but it has limits!!!

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

josh1331,

Yes, it covers gas too.:cool:

Bob-A:D

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

Just a thought, don't laugh There is a new type of fire extinquisher that is much easier to transport. It is a spray can that you can get at Wal-mart TUNDRA by First Alert. I know what your thinking, BUT take a look next time your there if you dont like it you can by the tradional type there also. The Tundra has a good shelve life, I bought one good till 2015. A can will spray about four times longer than a large extinguisher, good for grease(kitchen maybe) Fabric/wood and electric fires. The can is very easy to store like a spray can with a small cap no neck or valve to break off. I don't think I would only want the Tundra in my house or car but I would try it first in fire situation, they say its easy to clean up. They are about 12-15 dollars.As you see from the the pictures dry chem make quite a mess.

Re: Fire Extinguisher
 

None of the posts have mentioned dry chem versions need to be stored upright or used ONLY after selting the contents firmly to the bottom of container ( bounce it hard on bottom) otherwise all the pressure will vent quickly leaving most of the powder inside. Learned tht one the hardway, one small puff and the T bird melted! ernie n tx