You will find in the archives several posts about fires. I posted a summary
about fire extinguishers and how to use them on April 24, 1998 ("fire
extinguisher researched"). I don't want to repeat myself therefore I will
keep this short. The basic rule can be read in the Hitchhiker's Guide to
the Galaxy: don't panic!

One point about magnesium fires in cars. They are recognizable often by
spraks and spontaneous combustions when they come in contact with fluids.
and will be aggravated by water. Magnesium takes oxygen from water. The
transmission housing can contain magnesium components. I attended a fire of
a T2 (older style VW) where this was an issue. Dry sand will do as first
aid extinguishing agent. 

By the way firefighters often know what they are doing. 

Bj�rn Ratjen
firefighter (among other things) 
Bj�rn Ratjen, Ph.D.
Mill Bay, B.C.
phone/fax (250) 743-7575