BEST WAY TO FIGHT A GASOLENE FIRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1441, 6 December 1917, Page 13 (Supplement)

BEST WAY TO FIGHT A GASOLENE FIRE.

When gasolene takes fire it is a serious matter, but the most dangerous accessory to a fire is panic. The average person has such an unreasoning fear of gasolene that he loses his head completely. The first few fires will leave one completely unnerved for a time, but after a little experience in fighting them one will acquire self control. This does not mean that one should delay or move any more slowly, but should know what to do and do it quickly. The novice stands aghast as the first burst of flame comes from the carburetter. The experienced man jumps for the nearest preventive. At least one small fire extinguisher should be on every car. The large chemical devices are too bulky and cannot be laid in any position, whereas the ordinary instrument may be stowed away in a small space. The best place is beneath the hood on the carburetter side. This is where the fire starts and may be reached by raising the hood. Some carry them on the running board, but this is objectionable on account of theft liability. If placed under the seat or secured by a lock they are not readily placed in service and the machine may be damaged meanwhile. Always turn off the gasolene at the tank to stop feeding the flames. Ordinarily there is not more than two ounces in any float chamber and this will not last long. All the parts about the carburetter are metal and not easily harmed. It is well also to use the self-starter to turn the engine. This will draw flames into the manifold. Quite often the whole fire may be extinguished if this is done in time. A greater danger arises from permitting an accumulation of inflammable material in the drip pan. Once this becomes fully ignited the situation requires prompt and efficient action. The work of extinguishing should begin right here, leaving the carburetter till the last. Otherwise the burning gasolene at the bottom will continue to ignite that at the carburetter. So remember always to start at the

bottom and work upward. If there is a flame on the ground beneath the car, use the self-starter with gears in mesh to move to another position. Sand is good if available, but never throw sand on the carburetter or any other parts of the machine. It falls away, leaving the gasolene free to burn, and also into the mechanism. On a flat surface sand or any other dry powder is excellent. Even flour has saved many a home where gasolene has been used carelessly. The old method of covering the fire with a rug or carpet is good, but the extinguisher is better. This covers the fluid with a layer of heavy non-inflammable gas, which smothers the flame. Finally, never throw water on burning gasolene. Everyone knows that any kind of a fire is dangerous, but if the above suggestions are employed under selfcontrol the flames starting from a carburetter backfire will be efficiently stopped at the source.