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Vehicle
Fires.....
If
You Don't Have a Fire Extinguisher
LPG
Vehicles
Using
a Fire Extinguisher
 -
Under the Car Bonnet (Hood)
- Inside
the Vehicle
After
the Fire is Out
Vehicle fires are
usually caused by vehicle accidents or electrical faults but because of
the fuels like petrol, diesel and LPG as well as the toxic fumes produced
by the fire, they can be very dangerous. Get the occupants out and away
to safety as quickly as possible and always carry a regularly checked
and maintained Fire Extinguisher suitable for vehicle fires in your vehicle
where you can get to it quickly and easily.
If
You Don't Have a Fire Extinguisher
If you have a vehicle
catch fire there are some simple steps to take if you don't have a Fire
Extinguisher - you can try to smother the fire with a blanket only if
it is safe:
Turn off the ignition
Get everyone out
of the vehicle
Shut all of the
vehicle doors and wind up all of the windows if possible
Move everyone to
a safe distance from the vehicle
Call the Fire Service
LPG
Vehicles
If the vehicle runs
on LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) turn off the main supply valve if you
can safely reach it.
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Using
a Fire Extinguisher
Under
the Car Bonnet (Hood)
Carefully release
the bonnet catch only - NEVER raise the bonnet as a rush of air will
cause a flare up which will accelerate the fire and burn you.
Using extreme caution
discharge the Fire Extinguisher through the bonnet gap or grill if you
cannot open the bonnet catch.
Inside
the Vehicle
Carefully open the
vehicle door. Try to keep upwind and out of any smoke.
Discharge the Fire
Extinguisher into the vehicle directly on to the fire.
Quickly close the
door again (all doors should be closed).
Use
extreme caution and avoid breathing in any of the smoke or fumes as
burning rubber, foams, plastics and fabrics in the car give off very
toxic fumes.
After
the Fire is Out
Remove the battery
leads from the terminals if it is safe to.
NEVER drive
the vehicle until it is checked and repaired by a qualified auto-electrician.
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