WHEN IT CATCHES FIRE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 348, 8 May 1928, Page 7

WHEN IT CATCHES FIRE

SOME SIMPLE EXPEDIENTS Many people allow their motors to be burnt simply because they are not aware of the elementary rules of extinguishing a petrol blaze. Petrol depends upon oxygen for combustion, and if the air supply is completely cut off the blaze is automatically extinguished. Most cars that catch fire do so through the carburetter, by means of a backfire. This causes the exhaust gases to come into the atmosphere by way of the inlet pipe and carburetter, instead of in the proper fashion, through the exhaust pipe. A backfire is frequently accompanied by a sheet of flame, and can easily ignite the carburetter. Chronic backfiring should, therefore, be investigated and the faults found and remedied. If the carburetter catches fire the first procedure is to turn off the supply tap at all costs, thus stopping the flow of further petrol from the tank. The first step to extinguish the blaze is the fire extinguisher, but until the law compels each car to be fitted with such an appliance it may sometimes be necessary to adopt more primitive methods. Probably the best smothering article is an old coat, which can be wrapped about the carburetter. It should be kept over the carburetter for a considerable time after the flames are out, to prevent a recurrence from new gases igniting on the heated metal. In emergencies, felt hats, rags, rugs, or even gloves may successfully smother the flames. In addition, any substance that tends to smother is of use. Sand, earth, or flour will help, especially if the seat of the fire makes it difficult to use clothing or a rug. Water should be avoided at all costs, as the petrol forms a film on the top of it and continues blazing. Nor should an attempt be made to extinguish a small fire by beating at it with a cap. This merely fans the flames and causes them to spread.