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/AFirefighter11 May 17 '25

I have put out a very small engine compartment fire (We're talking maybe 1'x1') with a small dry chem. If it was the size shown in the photo (looks like it was much larger than 1'x1'), there's no reason to put it out yourself unless there are lives in danger. Call 9-1-1. Let the local FD handle it. While you wait, watch the first PD unit to the scene try to put it out with their extinguisher.