The situation with a car fire always develops rapidly, and the count goes on for seconds. Many drivers, having bought a cylinder with powder or gas, do not even think about the fact that improper use can aggravate the situation or not give any effect. Statistics show that a significant part of fires in engine compartments occurs due to the inability to properly activate and direct the jet of fire extinguishing agent.
In this article, we will discuss a detailed algorithm of actions that will help save your property and, more importantly, your life. Knowledge of combustion physics The principles of operation of the device are not just a formality for passing a technical inspection, but a real survival skill. We will look at the types of fire extinguishers, their features and specific actions in a stressful situation.
Before you get to the practical steps, it is important to understand what exactly you are dealing with. Different fire classes require different approaches, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for all situations. Optimal reaction time It takes less than two minutes, after which the flame can spread to the cabin, making extinguishing useless.
Classification of fire extinguishers for the car
Choosing the right firefighting tool starts with understanding the types of firefighters. In cars, powdered vehicles are most often found (OP) and carbon dioxide (Oh.) models. Powder devices are versatile and cheap, but create strong dustiness and reduce visibility. Carbon dioxide more effectively extinguish electrical equipment and leave no traces, but require caution due to the sharp cooling of the socket.
It is important to pay attention to the marking and classes of fires that a particular cylinder can eliminate. Classes are critical for the car B (combustible liquids) and C (gases) and E (electrical equipment). The use of water or foam fire extinguishers for extinguishing wiring under voltage is strictly prohibited and can lead to electric shock.
Expiration and pressure also play a crucial role. Powder models require regular shaking so that the powder does not stick together into clumps, and the pressure gauge should show pressure in the green zone. If the arrow is in the red zone, the device will not work at the right time, no matter how much you shake the balloon.
- 🔥 Powder extinguishers are suitable for most classes of fires, but they stain the cabin.
- ❄️ Carbon-acid models are ideal for electrical wiring, but are dangerous when in contact with skin.
- ⚖️ Aerosol generators are compact, but have a small coating area and a short operating time.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a foam extinguisher to extinguish a running engine or electrically wiring under voltage – this guarantees short circuit and the risk of electric shock.
Keep the fire extinguisher in an accessible place, such as under the seat or in a special mount on the door, rather than in the trunk, which in the event of a fire you simply can not reach.
Preparation for extinguishment and assessment of the situation
The first step in detecting smoke or the smell of burning is to stop the car immediately. It is necessary to shut down the engine, turn off the ignition and, if possible, turn off the battery, if this can be done safely and quickly. Stopping the supply of fuel and electricity It can stop the fire from developing at an early stage.
After the stop, the scale of the disaster should be assessed. If thick black smoke falls from under the hood or open flames break out, you can not open the hood completely. A sudden influx of oxygen will cause flashAnd the fire will engulf you instantly. You need to act through technological gaps or opening the hood minimally, directing the tube inside.
Make sure you are on the windward side. The wind should not blow in your face, carrying the products of combustion and flames. It is also critical to keep the fire extinguisher vertically (for powder models) so that the gas expels the powder rather than exiting separately.
☑️ Preparedness for extinguishing
If the flame has already spread to the salon or burns for more than 30 seconds, continuing to extinguish yourself is life-threatening. In this case, you need to evacuate to a safe distance and wait for fire crews, warning other drivers.
Algorithm of actions: how to properly extinguish
The technique of using a fire extinguisher is described by the abbreviation PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep), which is relevant for Russian realities. First, you need to tear the seal and pull the check. This action will unlock the shut-off and starter. Some models require pre-shaking to loosen the contents.
Direct the pipe or hose on the base of the fire, not on the top of the flame. The jet should shoot down the fire at the most combustible material. Press the trigger lever and hold it. Move the tube from left to right, gradually covering the area of combustion. Continuity of the jet (Critical) - The interruption can allow the fire to re-ignite.
Sequence of action:1. Pull the check.
2. Put the tube on the fireplace.
3. Push the lever.
4. Put it out by moving from left to right.
When using a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, remember that the socket is cooled to minus 60-70 degrees. Hold it only by the handle, otherwise a thermal burn of the hands is possible. The powder cloud dramatically reduces visibility, so try not to breathe fully and, if possible, protect the respiratory system.
- 🎯 Direct the stream strictly on the base of the flame.
- 🌬️ Move against the wind so that the smoke and powder is carried away.
- 🧤 Do not touch the metallic tube of the OU when working.
Features of extinguishing different types of fire
Fires in the car have their own specifics depending on what is burning. Gasoline and oil (Class B) require oxygen insulation, so the powder jet that creates the crust is effective here. However, if magnesium or aluminum burns (rarely, but possibly in engine elements), conventional remedies may not help or even enhance the reaction.
When electrical wiring fires, the main task is to de-energize the system. Carbon dioxide is preferred here, since it does not conduct current and does not leave conductive dust. The powder is also a dielectric, but its fine particles can penetrate the contacts and cause corrosion or closure in the future.
If the interior (textile, plastic) is lit, it is important to burn out oxygen in volume or knock down the flame. An integrated approach is effective here. The table below will help you to orient in the choice of means:
| Object of fire | Recommended type | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical wiring | Carbon dioxide (OC) | Risk of cold-burning hands |
| Gasoline/Oil | Powder (OP) | Heavy dustiness |
| Salon (cloth) | Powder/Foam | Damage to property |
| Engine (total) | Powder (OP) | Difficulty cleaning |
⚠️ Warning: When extinguishing the engine through the hood cracks, do not open it completely until it is completely cooled - the influx of oxygen will cause a flash.
What to do if the fire extinguisher is out?
If one cylinder is missing and the fire is not extinguished, retreat immediately. Do not try to use sand or earth unless it is special fire sand, as the moisture in them can cause a reaction with burning oil.
Typical errors in fire extinguishing
One of the most common mistakes is to try to extinguish a fire while standing against the wind. In this case, the flames and hot powder fly directly at the extinguisher, which can lead to burns of the airways and panic. The wind also blows away the fire extinguishing substance, preventing it from settling on the hearth.
Another mistake is to direct the jet to the top of the flame. Fire is already a burning process, and you need to act on the hot material. When you squirt over the flame, you just accelerate it, increasing the area of combustion. Accuracy of hit c the base of the focus determines the success of the operation.
Many forget to flip the fire extinguisher or hit it before using (for some OP models). This causes the gas to come out and the powder to remain at the bottom. It is also dangerous to extinguish burning gasoline with a strong jet under pressure, as this can splash the burning liquid and increase the area of the fire.
- 🚫 Do not stand too close to the fireplace (optimally 2-3 meters).
- 🚫 Do not open the hood completely in heavy smoke.
- 🚫 Do not use defective or expired cylinders.
The main principle is that human safety is more important than the car. If the fire can’t be brought down in 30-60 seconds, stand back and wait for the firefighters.
Post-extinguishing and maintenance
After the fire is eliminated, it is necessary to make sure that re-ignition is impossible. Even if there is no flame, smoldering can continue inside isolation or in hard-to-reach places. Leave the car under observation until the arrival of firefighters or until the nodes completely cool down.
The used fire extinguisher must be recharged or replaced, even if it is not completely empty. The pressure in the balloon could fall, and the powder could be saturated with moisture. Reuse This type of balloon in an emergency can be fatal.
If a powder fire extinguisher was used, the interior and engine will require thorough cleaning. The powder is chemically active and can cause corrosion of metal parts and electronics. It is recommended to contact a specialized service for engine washing and dry cleaning of the cabin.
How often should I check the fire extinguisher?
Powder extinguishers require a pressure check once a year (visually) and a full recharge every 5 years. Carbon dioxide is weighed once a year to control gas leakage and recharged once every 5 years. The date of the next check is always listed on the label.
Can I keep a fire extinguisher in the trunk in winter?
Powder fire extinguishers with a charge of ABC can be stored at temperatures up to -40 ° C, but it is better to keep them in the cabin, since in the cold the pressure drops, and the efficiency of the ejection decreases. Carbon dioxide is less sensitive to temperature, but requires careful handling.
What if the fire spread to neighboring cars?
Notify the dispatcher 112 immediately of the spread of the fire. Try to alert the owners of nearby cars if they are nearby. Don’t risk your life trying to save someone else’s property if it becomes uncontrollable.