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General Knowledge · Fires

What is the correct technique for using a fire extinguisher on a small vehicle fire?

1.Approach from upwind so smoke and flame blow away from you, keep a safe distance, and aim short bursts at the base of the fireCorrect answer
2.Approach the fire from downwind, so that you can see the flames more clearly as you work the extinguisher
3.Aim the extinguisher at the very top of the flames, where the fire is burning at its very hottest point
4.Stand as close as possible for maximum effect, regardless of which way the wind happens to be blowing at the time

Explanation

The correct technique is to approach the fire from upwind, so smoke and flame are carried away from the driver, keep a safe distance, and aim short bursts at the base of the fire, where the fuel is actually burning. 49 CFR 383.111(a)(3)(i) names fire extinguishers as required-knowledge equipment without stating the technique for using one, so this is standard driver-training content, attributed to the manual. The wrong options each put the driver in a worse position: approaching from downwind pulls smoke and flame toward the driver, aiming at the top of the flames misses the fuel source feeding the fire, and standing too close ignores the safe-distance practice that keeps a small fire from becoming a bigger danger to the driver.

Source: 49 CFR 383.111(a)(3)(i)

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