On-board Fire Extinguishers

[greentruck]

Keep in mind that Halon snuffs out everything, including you if you're stuck breathing it for too long.

Maybe you thought, gee, thought there would be more of that in an MRAP or something else that might get blown up? There's a reason. If it's going to work, it's going to work, then you want it to go away and get some fresh air, especially if you're stuck there for some reason.

Just something to keep in mind when using Halon in closed spaces.

 

[Bluetribal]

what type of extinguisher is best for all types of fires? oil, grease, camping, electrical, etc?
any special brand yall prefer?

I was urged by my supplier to use a Purple K Powder Extinguisher. Regularly used on ariplanes.

 

[ezterra]

Keep in mind that Halon snuffs out everything, including you if you're stuck breathing it for too long.

Maybe you thought, gee, thought there would be more of that in an MRAP or something else that might get blown up? There's a reason. If it's going to work, it's going to work, then you want it to go away and get some fresh air, especially if you're stuck there for some reason.

Just something to keep in mind when using Halon in closed spaces.

We were warned of the Halon. If it should go off, we need to get out, fast. I found it interesting that there was also oxygen bottles next to each seat. I guess we could use the O2 to buy us extra time to get out of the halon environment.

 

[1FZj80]

We were warned of the Halon. If it should go off, we need to get out, fast. I found it interesting that there was also oxygen bottles next to each seat. I guess we could use the O2 to buy us extra time to get out of the halon environment.

??? halon is not that bad. It makes your head spin, but should have no long term effect unless you breath it for hours. It extinguishes at concentrations as low as 5%.

CO2 is what will get you. CO2 works by displacing air (oxygen). You cannot survive a CO2 dump in an enclosure at concentrations necessary for fire extinguishment. Even when using portable extinguishers, you must be careful with CO2.

 

[ktmracer01]

here mine. I keep it near the rear door so I can get to it easily.

 

[Tools R Us]

The #1 thing to remember is; a fire extinguisher only has a limited amount of use time, when done it's useless. If used correctly a small unit can put out a relatively large fire, if used incorrectly a large unit can be wasted and not put out a small fire. Pointing the stream at the fire is ineffective, the heat carries the chemical up, away from the source. Spraying the fuel, base of the fire is most effective, this is where air is drawn in, so pulls the chemical in where it can do the job.

This concept is best seen, done in person, unfortunately most first experience it in panic, not the best time to learn. I'm working with the forest service to have a live fire training day for our club.

 

[96r50]

X2 on what Kevin said. Most local fire departments will offer free fire extinguisher courses as part of their fire prevention and education program. Our local FD offers both the live fire burn pan training as well as the new digital type training which can be done inside and doesn't require any clean up. It would be a great idea to organize a fire extinguisher training session at a club meeting.

FireExtinguisher.com is a free online training tool which gives you a lot of good information, although it's not a replacement for a hands-on course.

 

[Corbet]

This is one of the best Fire Extinguisher discussions I have seen in a while.

I have had to use a chemical unit on my 40. A 2.5lb unit was pretty much useless at that point in the fire. Fire Dept finished the job. Clean up was a mess due to the chemical agent.. I now carry a 2.5lb Halon unit. Still need to get a larger 5-10lb too.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

I agree that this has been a very educational discussion and has been much appreciated by myself. I think organizing an annual or semi-annual fire training event for the local clubs is an absolute GREAT idea. I think there is an opportunity to incorporate safety talks before outings too. I will be contacting our local group ( North West Cruisers of Idaho ) regarding this idea to try and further it here in Boise.

 

[Otamiway]

I understand the risk of Halon ... new ones are Halotron(environmentally friendly)... I have a 5lb in my LC80. after having to use one, I want nothing else. my .02

 

[NLXTACY]

We have 9 CNC machines now and we started cutting Magnesium for our new 3D rigs. Man, we had to remove ALL hoses, close faucets and basically make sure there is no water anywhere near the machines to make sure no one accidentally uses it on a fire that could start. So now we have these huge (30#?) Yellow extinguishers with a funky nozzle on them. I'm not in that building so training wasn't required for me but now I'm curious.

That Pirate link makes me want to finish (ok start) my on-board extinguisher. Its just all sitting in the garage collecting dust.

 

[72RatCamaro]

seems like I need to order the big boy system. For 500$ its cheaper than my deductible.