Avoiding vehicle fires: four simple steps Published Aug. 18, 2009 By Airman Cynthia A. Haughton 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- According to the Automated Civil Engineer System--Fire Department, there have been 46 vehicle fires at Nellis Air Force Base since 2004. Although there have only been two this year, people should still be aware of the risk. Vehicle fires cause serious damage. If the fire is hot enough, it can reduce the strength of the metal in the vehicle, resulting in a total loss. Collisions are usually the cause of vehicle fires, but many occur without any impact. "Cracked fuel lines, frayed electrical wires, or a dirty engine compartment can cause a vehicle fire," said Staff Sgt. Ernest Suaava, crew chief, 99th Civil Engineer Squadron. "Oil leaking from the vehicle is also a potential fire hazard," he said. Vehicle fires can be prevented by following a few simple guidelines. · Keep up with your vehicle and perform regular maintenance. The money spent now in prevention will be much less than the cost of dealing with the damages from a fire. · Make sure the engine compartment is clean. A dirty, oil-soaked engine is extremely hazardous and provides a fuel source for a fire. · Keep your vehicle free of trash and unnecessary items that could be fuel for a fire. Smoking in your vehicle is a fire hazard in and of itself, but it is especially dangerous if there is trash in the car, because the trash provides an extra fuel source if cigarettes were to be dropped. · Keep a dry chemical fire extinguisher in your vehicle, and mount it where you can get to it quickly. It is important that the extinguisher be mounted so that it doesn't roll around on the floor and become unreachable or become a projectile during a sudden stop. If your vehicle catches on fire, do not panic. Stop the car and engage the parking brake to keep the car from rolling, and turn off the engine. Release the hood from the inside of your car, but do not open the hood from the outside. Get all the passengers out of and move away from the vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with a fire extinguisher, and the fire is small, aim the extinguisher through the radiator grille or under the edge of the hood. Never use water on an engine fire because it can short out the wiring and spread burning gasoline. If the fire is out of control, do not go near the vehicle. Call 911 immediately and keep other people and vehicles from going near the fire. Do not try to retrieve items from your car, as the fire can spread rapidly and cause various parts of the vehicle to explode. Nothing in your car is worth risking your life to retrieve. For more information, contact the Nellis Air Force Base Fire Department, 702-652-9630.
