Tens of thousands of vehicle fires are reported in the UK each year, many of which are entirely preventable. Whether you drive a petrol-powered car, diesel van or state-of-the-art EV, having the right fire extinguisher for your car (and knowing how to use it) can be the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.
In this guide we’ll break down the types of fires you might face on the road, the most suitable fire extinguishers for cars and vans of all types, where to keep them, and how to use them safely and effectively.
We will also explain the most suitable Firechief® product options to match your needs, so you know exactly what to look for.
What types of fires can happen in a vehicle?
The first thing to remember is that not all fires start or behave the same way.
In a vehicle, you sometimes find that several fire types can occur in the same incident. You may find:
- Class A fires involving the upholstery inside the vehicle
- Class B fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol and oil
- Class C fires involving LPG or other gases being transported
- Electrical fires involving faulty wiring
- Lithium-ion battery fires involving the batteries that power an EV
As with all types of fires, using the wrong extinguisher for the fire can exacerbate the situation (especially with Lithium-ion battery fires which burn hotter and for longer than most other materials).
The most suitable extinguishers for cars by type
With that in mind, let’s look at the type of extinguisher you should use in each type of vehicle.
The right extinguisher will depend on the type of vehicle you drive, and also any goods that you may be transporting. For example, a typical family saloon is unlikely to be transporting gas canisters, while a long-distance lorry driver is unlikely to be transporting children’s toys and games that work using Lithium-ion batteries. So, it’s important to ensure that you are equipped with what you need for the vehicle you’re driving and the journey you’re making.
Petrol and diesel vehicles
The most common fire risks involving these types of vehicles (including motorcycles, cars, vans and lorries) involve flammable liquids and electrical systems. In the event of a fire involving these vehicles, we would recommend a BC dry powder extinguisher because they are:
- Effective against Class B and C fires, which are the main fire risks in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine.
- Lightweight, compact and versatile making it ideally suited for a typical road vehicle
In this instance, we would suggest the Firechief® 600g BC powder aerosol extinguisher. This particular model is the ideal extinguisher for cars as it covers three different types of fires and can be used quickly and easily if it is safe to do so.
Electric vehicles (EVs)
The newest addition to the market, EVs introduce a different risk in the form of thermal runaway. This process is a fast-spreading, high-temperature fire emanating from Lithium-ion batteries which is extremely difficult to contain.
At Firechief® Global we supply Lith-Ex extinguishers which, are made in the UK and designed to tackle lithium-ion battery fires. In the case of an EV fire, we recommend the Firechief® 50 litre Lith-Ex extinguisher due to the size and nature of the type of fire associated with EV batteries.
Containment is always the best and most practical approach with an EV fire and with that in mind the Firechief® LithShield® fire blanket is a useful addition, too, as this can smother and contain the fire and toxic gases, and is proven to work at temperatures over 1,000°C.
Hybrid vehicles
The name is useful here as hybrid vehicles share the fire risks associated with internal combustion (petrol and diesel) and electric vehicles.
This means that they are at risk of fuel and Lithium-ion battery-related fires so the recommendations here overlap, rather than having one sole recommendation:
- A dry powder extinguisher would be recommended for the general vehicle risks (i.e. Class A, B and C fires)
- A Lith-ex extinguisher would be recommended as well concerning the Lithium battery risks
- LithShield® fire blankets are also beneficial to suppress the fire and toxic gases from the Li-ion battery fire, while also cutting oxygen from the fire triangle in the general fire risk
Where to keep an extinguisher in your car
As an addition to the vehicle after purchase, there isn’t always an obvious place to keep an extinguisher in your car. Some commercial vehicles will have designated spaces for them to be mounted or stored, but domestic vehicles don’t have that luxury.
Best practice suggests that all extinguishers inside a vehicle should be easily accessible in the event of a fire, but also securely placed to prevent them from rolling around or being thrown inside the vehicle in the case of a collision. Recommended locations include:
- Under the driver’s seat
- In the passenger footwell
- Boot-mounted brackets
- Rear cargo area (for vans)
Wherever you choose to keep your extinguisher in your car the most important thing to avoid is loose placement. If the vehicle is involved in an accident, it could become a projectile and cause further damage or injury to those in the vehicle. If your extinguisher comes with a mounting bracket, try to use it wherever possible so that it is securely stowed.
How to use an extinguisher on a vehicle fire
If you ever find yourself in a vehicle fire, the first thing you should decide is whether you feel confident to tackle the fire with an extinguisher. If you’re not confident, the best thing to do is get out of the vehicle as fast as possible. If you do decide to use the extinguisher in the event of a vehicle fire, you should use the PASS method:
- Pull the pin
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle
- Sweep side to side
Additional safety reminders and tips
Even after securing your fire safety essentials and understanding how to use them, there are still several safety reminders to keep in mind and share with everyone in and around the vehicle in case of a fire, including:
- Evacuate the vehicle immediately. Never assume it can be brought under control quickly
- Only tackle small fires. Vehicle fires are volatile and can become uncontrollable very quickly.
- Stay upwind of smoke to avoid the risk of inhalation.
- Alert the emergency services at the earliest opportunity.
Another option for all-around fire safety on the move is the Firechief® Home & Travel Safety Pack. This kit covers most household risks but is also well-suited to incidents inside a vehicle. Included are:
- Soft case fire blanket
- First aid kit
- 1kg ABC powder extinguisher
In summary
Whether you’re on the school run, a long motorway journey or managing a fleet of vans, one small piece of fire safety equipment could save lives. Act today by getting your fire extinguishers, fire blankets or travel packs from Firechief® Global.
In addition to our high-performance fire extinguishers, the Firechief® range of fire safety products also includes extinguisher stands, fire blankets, suppression systems, signage and more. For information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.
To stay up-to-date with more product news and insights from across the fire safety industry, follow Firechief® Global on LinkedIn.
Disclaimer
The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and, where necessary, to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader's risk.