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/an_angry_Moose Career FF May 17 '25

I’ve got 15 years of career firefighting that says he’s correct. Call 911, let us do it. Don’t go breathing in that smoke and shortening your lifespan just for an attempt.

The only reason to attempt to mitigate is if there’s someone trapped inside, or the car is next to your house or in a garage or something and you’re worried you could lose more. Keep clear of the smoke and try your best without risking your life.