Local Car Show "Near Miss".

[mrhemi]

Sorry no photos of this. Didn't feel right to take photos of this couple`s misfortune. When a local charity car show was winding down yesterday, a C3 Corvette parked near me experienced a back fire and carb fire when starting up to leave. Once the hood was up to see what the problem was and the carb fire was detected, he kept cranking to suck the flame back into the carb. That was a mistake as I am sure the float or floats were stuck and that was pouring more fuel to the fire. As the air filter became fully engulfed it was apparent this was getting out of hand quickly. No one near by had a fire extinguisher or a jacket or blanket to try and snuff the flames. Buddy of mine who is fire fighter managed to get the air cleaner off by using gloves and a plastic bag. Flames got larger now. Then the owner cranked the car over trying to suck the flames in. That poured more fuel to it. Still no fire extinguisher. People, me included started pouring water (from bottles) on the carb fire. That kept it down a bit, but was no way going to extinguish it. Finally, someone from across the show field ran up with one of those Element solid fire extinguishers, lit it up and proceeded to put the fire out completely in about 30 seconds, without making a mess of the car. Fortunately for the dismayed couple there was little damage to their car. After a flat bed ride home all that was needed is mop up the water, remove the faulty carb, pull the plugs and crank it over to clear any water that made it into the cylinders. Change the oil, replace or repair the carb and I am sure it will be fine.

I am guilty of this as well, but I am shocked that with 150+ cars there, only one person could produce a fire extinguisher.

I have read about these solid fire extinguishers but never seen them before, let alone in action. Guess what I am ordering this morning for the fleet.

 

[69 Sleeper Bee]

I keep 2 in my car. 1 on my side and 1 on the passenger side.
Hope I never need it but you never know it might be someone else close to you that does.
Everyone of us that has a classic car should have some form of extinguisher in their car.
Glad they were able to get it put out.

 

[DeltaV]

I have read about these solid fire extinguishers but never seen them before, let alone in action. Guess what I am ordering this morning for the fleet.

Some comments/advice from FBBO members:

Fire extinguisher

 

[mrhemi]

Some comments/advice from FBBO members:

Fire extinguisher

Some good information here for sure. I have numerous dry chems throughout my home and shop, but my bad for not having one in my cars. Some of the comments regarding spreading fuel fire are accurate. Having worked many years in a refinery, and being sent to industrial fire school for pertinent training, it is amazing what you can put out with a 20lb. Ansul extinguisher.

 

[Davefinan]

That’s a great reminder. I always had one in the trunk of my classic mopars over the years , but for whatever reason got away from doing that

 

[71Beeper]

I keep a fire blanket in my car.

 

[Budnicks]

I have a fire extinguisher
strapped down to my trans tunnel between my buckets
change it ever 2 or so years, now have several I get refilled or recharged
most still show full too, when changed

with the crap/sh-tty Calif. swill fuel we have here,
I take no chances, with a 6bbl set up
& a lift off A12 hood
I do have an electric pump so I can kill the pump with a switch

 

[Budnicks]

I keep a fire blanket in my car.

that's a great idea too