r/Firefighting • u/AffableEffable • May 17 '25

Ask A Firefighter Is This Retired Firefighter's Claim About Putting Out a Car Fire Correct?

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Hi, I ran into this discussion on twitter, and most people in the comments were really mad at the ELBainter person (who claims to be a retired firefighter). I know absolutely nothing about any of this, so I was curious: are they right and the people there are just stupid, the opposite, or something in between?

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u/Sudden_Impact7490 FF (inactive) - RN Paramedic May 17 '25 edited May 18 '25

We liked to describe fire extinguishers as escape tools. If it's a fire larger than waste basket size, the fire extinguisher should be used to help you or others escape - the FD will handle the fire.

People get themselves in trouble sometimes trying to stay and fight fires on their own.

So I agree with his sentiment

1

u/ChrmanMAOI-Inhibitor May 18 '25

What is a water basket?

5

u/Sudden_Impact7490 FF (inactive) - RN Paramedic May 18 '25

It's in the same compartment as the water hammer on the truck.

1

u/ChrmanMAOI-Inhibitor May 18 '25

I guess it’s a firefighter joke I don’t get

1

u/Tippsy_Troglodyte May 18 '25

I think you might’ve misread Waste basket. Basketball sized is about what they are suggesting

1

u/ChrmanMAOI-Inhibitor May 18 '25

Lol it said water basket pre-edit

1

u/firemedicmike May 18 '25

absolutely underrated comment

1

u/[deleted] May 18 '25

Waste basket, maybe?