car fire extinguisher

[MBS500]

After seeing 2 members reported that their fiats 500 caught fire (while driving they died, and caught electrical fire after sitting 5-10 min off), I thought that it would be a good idea to have one in my Fiat and keep big one at home in garage.
I hope turbo models are less affected, so far 2 out of two were non turbo models. I did not search further yet.
Do you guy have one in your car or at home?
In some countries it is mandatory along with first aid kit.

http://www.fiat500owners.com/forum/55-fiat-500-safety-issues/9718-electrical-fire.html

 

[rjundi]

I would let the car burn vs attempting to put it out with a measly fire extinguisher.

 

[MBS500]

Something is better than nothing. What if you witness an accident and person is trapped inside of burning car and can't get out? You can win some time and use it to break windows. What if car catches fire in you attached garage? I bet you don't want to let the car and house burn.
I read good reviews on some models on amazon, which were used to put out engine fire.

 

[larryinnewyork]

Best is to "Be Prepared"

CPR is good to learn also.

Nothing worse then feeling hopless (& useless).

 

[KD0AXS]

Everyone should have one in their car. I keep a good sized one under the back seat of my truck at all times. It is actually required by law for commercial vehicles to have them. You should have one in your car, in your garage, and also at least one in your house, preferably near the kitchen since cooking is the number one cause of house fires.

 

[Rick in PA]

I've always had a fire extinguisher in my vehicles (but of course hope to never use it). A fireman once told me that most all fires always start with the smallest of flames. It's a matter of timing, catch it early and you might be able to extinguish it.

Once, back in the '70s, I came across a VW Beetle that had just caught fire. A gas line had probably popped off a fitting, they were known for that. Another guy, held the engine cover open and I gave it a few squirts from my extinguisher, pretty much putting it out. By the time the fire department got there, all they had to deal with was a smoldering air cleaner. It's all a matter of timing and having the extinguisher.

I will say, when faced with a fire, it seems like your extinguisher is never big enough. But better to have something, than nothing.

 

[MBS500]

Can you guys recommend some brands/models?

 

[CharlieW618]

In Illinois it is required to have a fire extinguisher in a vehicle of the second division which is trucks. Even pick ups. Also supposed to have emergency reflectors or flares.

 

[simple_gifts]

Probably goes without saying, but you want a dry chemical one. Makes a big mess, but so does a 2500lb pile of plastic, glass and iron flaming away for 20 minutes.

 

[zloveraz]

I have this exact extinguisher in my car, comes with mounting bracket if needed.

http://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-Auto-Fire-Extinguisher/dp/B001PB3GUE

 

[ARB1977]

I got one that's at least ten years old in my Tacoma. I should replace it.

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: rjundi
I would let the car burn vs attempting to put it out with a measly fire extinguisher.


+1 carry 2 frozen porterhouse steaks and some A-1.

 

[morris]

if you have an underhood fire. do not stand in front of the hood when you open it, you will get a face full of fire. give it a shot through the grill, it will not knock down the whole fire, just enough to open the hood safely. but still duck your head