Food for flames - Fireman recommends extinguishers in private motor vehicles

Sheldon Williams, Gleaner Writer

With extensive paintwork, plastic interior parts and upholstery, motor vehicles are inherently excellent fodder for fire. Add to that the fuel needed to run the vehicle, extensive electrical circuitry and the battery, and it all adds up to a potentially explosive
situation.

So it is not surprising that the Jamaica
Fire Brigade is called in to extinguish about 26 motor vehicle fires
every year, according to the organisation's Acting Commissioner Floyd
McLean. McLean, who is the chief fire prevention officer at the brigade,
advised motorists to be prepared and act quickly before the fire unit
arrives, by keeping extinguishers in their
vehicles.

"Note must be taken that the Fire Department
is just a support agency and will not be on spot to assist in most
instances, so your quick action is critical. Automotive paint and other
vehicle accessories are highly supportive of combustion, therefore,
having a fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it is of great
importance," he explained.

McLean pointed out that
there is no legislation requiring motorists to equip their vehicles with
fire extinguishers. On the other hand, operators of public passenger
vehicles must have one installed. Still, he said, "there is no present
regulation that governs private motor vehicles, but owners are advised
to use best practice and to install one".

"However,
there is a need for all public-passenger vehicles to be fitted with one
of appropriate size and rating (at least 2.27 kg for cars and 4.54 kg or
bigger for larger vehicles). All these requirements and regulations can
be obtained from our local Transport Authority, and enforcement should
be carried out by the relevant officers," he said.

He
identified the ABC dry chemical powder extinguisher as the most ideal.
It is best suited to deal with the most common type of vehicular fire
hazards, which McLean said are "electrical fires and overheating of the
engine, that will result in a mixed-class fire". McLean advised that if
the wrong type of extinguisher is used "the fire will not be
extinguished or, in the case of water, could actually
spread".

MONTHLY INSPECTION

McLean
said a good fire extinguisher should have a "body brightly painted and
without signs of rusting; gauge (where affixed) in place and indicate
the working position; labels clean and clearly written in the language
of the country". They should be inspected once per month by the owners,
and once per year by the service providers.

He
outlined the correct response procedure if a motor vehicle is on fire.
"Stop the vehicle and shut off engine. Don't immediately pop the bonnet -
this will result in spreading of the fire - and have your extinguisher
ready to use immediately when the bonnet is opened. Always call the Fire
Department for assistance," McLean said.

There is no
reason for motorists to not have a fire extinguisher in their private
vehicle. McLean said they are "very easy to access, companies that sell,
and some that service these extinguishers are based islandwide. Any
individual who needs one just needs to check the telephone directory and
select their provider, in order to buy and install
one".

"It is a requirement for the PPV, flammable and
combustible substance vehicles to carry one, but an option for private
vehicles. However, the brigade would advise all motorists to have one
affixed in their vehicles as a best practice action," McLean
emphasised.