Halon type and CO2 extinguishers can be sprayed into closed compartments and
work very well on fuel and oil fires. Dry chemical also works but does not
ravel as well through vents or other restricted openings. Unless you have an
extinguisher handy opening the engine compartment with fire present will
usually make things worse especially if the fuel source (oil and dirt) is
still there.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Marius Strom
Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2010 4:39 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Friday fun.. Vanagons on fire

So, regardless of the ignition source, it's pretty sobering to see how
quickly (3 minutes) the van can go up.  I think we're all agreed that this
starts in the engine compartment.

One thing I've always wondered is what's the best course of action to slow
it down.  I noticed in the first video that the hatches and doors are all
open - that seems like it'll just let air in easier.  I know that closing
the car up wouldn't eliminate the fire (there's plenty of ways for air to
get into our rides), but has anyone given thought to what the best courses
of action are in the unfortunate event it happens to you?

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Dennis Haynes
Sent: Friday, December 17, 2010 9:00 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Friday fun.. Vanagons on fire

Why do we assume that all engine fires start out as a fuel hose problem? I
can think of a number of other things to get a fire started. Electrical,
especially the alternator, oil leak, extreme overheating of the engine or
automatic tranny, etc. Over the years I have seen a number of fuel leaks
that did not catch fire. I'm not saying don't maintain the fuel lines but
let's not blame them for all fires.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
JordanVw@AOL.COM
Sent: Friday, December 17, 2010 10:54 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: friday fun.. Vanagons on fire

more people who forgot to change their fuel lines!

_YouTube - T3  Inferno_ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pQ2OVWAJ-M&NR=1)

_YouTube -  furgoneta en llamas_
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDW4ezE5nN0&feature=related)

_YouTube -  furgoneta en llamas 2_
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEMVZ8pHyfY&feature=related)