In a message dated 5/14/99 1:19:38 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
Matthew.Pollard@OREADCA.COM writes:

> What steps would I take to put out an engine fire if I noticed that I, or
>  someone else had one? I was guessing I would grab my fire extinguisher,
>  carefully open the licenses plate door and spray like hell? Would I need to
>  kill the fuel pump too (by cutting the wire)?
>
All fires are different, so you may wish to just get far away (gas tanks
seldom explode, but they can).  And for the Westies, if the fire is near a
pressurized propane line or tank, get very far away.  Turn off the ignition
to shut off all electrical supply to the fire, and this also shuts off the
fuel pump.  But be aware that high fuel pressure still remains in a fuel
injected engine, and a rupturing line can still squirt with the pump off.  If
you want to tackle a very small fire, you will need to get to the base of it
with a dry chemical extinguisher.  Just spraying the engine compartment from
the license hatch probably won't do, since the fire will likely be where most
of the fuel and electrical lines are, towards the other end of the engine.
And those little extinguishers empty out quickly.  Try to get at it from
underneath if possible.  Fires like to spread upward, and opening the engine
hatch gives the fire more air and room to spread.  IF there is no electricity
to the fire, and IF there is no gasoline or oil present, water can be used,
preferably in a spray pattern.
Good luck.
Zoe Ann & Roger
1987 4x5 Adventurewagen