VEHICLE FIRES: HOW TO AVERT POTENTIAL DISASTERS

Twenty percent of all reported fires in the U.S. are vehicle fires and the leading cause is smoking followed by fuel system defects, ignition system defects or failures, and overheated motors and other malfunctions. Five results from the presence of three basic constituents, namely, fuel, heat and oxygen. The prevention or extinguishing of fires must control or eliminate one or more of these three elements. Suggestions are made of actions that could be taken to avoid vehicle fires. Periodic examinations should be made of the engine compartment, the fuel line from tank to fuel pump, and of the ignition system and wiring. Hints are provided on the selection of automotive type fire extinguishers. The extinguisher should be Underwriter Laboratories listed, the rating should be checked as well as the operating instructions. Some advice is also given on how to act in case of a fire.

• Corporate Authors:

  California Association of Highway Patrolmen

  1225 8th Street
  Sacramento, CA  United States  95814
• Authors:
  • Bare, W K
• Publication Date: 1983-4

Media Info

• Pagination: 3 p.
• Serial:
  • California highway patrolman
  • Volume: 47
  • Issue Number: 2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Engines; Fire extinguishers; Fires; Fuel systems; Ignition; Mechanical failure; Prevention; Smoking; Vehicles
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00379757
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-035 082
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Dec 30 1983 12:00AM