New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-06
Panic Is Great
Danger in Fire
From Carburetor
Flames Can Be Handled if
You Go Sanely and
Quietly to Work
By WILLIAM Fl. STEWART, JR.

When gasolene takes fire it is a ser
ious matter, but the most dangerous
accessory to a fire is the one you least
expect, namely, panic.
The average person has such an un-
reasoning fear of gasolene that he
loses his head completely. The first
few fires will leave one completely un-
nerved for time, but after a little
experience in fighting them panic will
disappear and sclf-control will be
gained. This does not mean that one
should delay or move any more slowly,
but should know what to do, and do 1t
quickly.
The novice stands aghast as the first
burst of fame comes from the car
buretor. The experienced man jumps
for the nearest preventive. AT least
one small fire extinguisher should be
on every car. The large chemical de-
vices are too bulky and cannot be
placed in any desired position, whereas
the ordinary instrument may be slowed
away in a small space. The best place
is beneath the hood on the carburetor
side. This is where the fire starts, and
may be reached by raising the hood.
Some carry them on the running board,
but this is Objectionable on account of
theft liability. If placed under the
seat or secured by lock they are not
readily placed in service, and the ma
chine may be badly damaged mean
while.
Always turn off the gasolene at the
tank to stop feeding the flames. Ordl-
narily there is not more than two
ounces in any float chamber, and this
will not last long. All the parts about
the carburetor are metal and not easily
harmed II is we'll also to use the self
starter to turn the engine. This will
draw flames into the manifold. Quite
often the whole fire may be extin-
guished if this is done in time.
A greater danger arises from per-
hitting an accumulation of infam-
mable material in the drip pan. Once
this becomes fully ignited the situa-
tion requires prompt and efficient &C
ton. The work of eXtingushing
should begin right here, leaving the
carburetor till the last. Otherwise the
burning gasolene at the bottom will
continue TO ignite that at the carbure-
tor.
So, remember, always start at the
bottom and work upward. If there
is a fame on the ground beneath the
car, use the self-starter with gears in
mesh to move to another position.
Sand is good if available, but never
throw sand on the carburetor or any
other parts Of the machine. 1t falls
away, leaving gasolene free to burn,
and also gets into the mechanism, do
ing incalculable harm. On fiat sur
face sand is excellent. or any other
dry powder. Even -four has saved
many a home where gasolene has been
used carelessly.
The old method of covering the FIRE
with a rug or carpet is good, but the
extinguisher is better. This covers
the fluid with layer of heavy non
infiammable gas which smothers the
flame. Finally be cautioned never to
throw water on burning gasolene. 1t
tends to spread the fame.
Every one knows that any kind Of
a fire is dangerous, but, if the above
suggestions are employed under self
control, the flame starting from. car
buretor backfire will be efficiently
stopped at the source.