Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets
In addition to a fire extinguisher, it's also advisable to keep a fire blanket in your vehicle. You throw a fire blanket over a fire to suffocate it, preventing oxygen from fuelling the flames. It's a simple way to extinguish a fire but is only safe to use if you can completely cover the fire and if it's safe to get close enough to the source. By carrying both a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket, you'll be well-prepared for any unfortunate incidents.
Car Fire Extinguisher: Choosing the Right Type
Having a fire extinguisher in your car enhances safety and enables you to tackle small fires before they escalate. It's not intended for extinguishing a fully engulfed vehicle but serves as a quick solution for minor incidents. When selecting a fire extinguisher, choosing the correct type for your needs is crucial. Fire extinguisher applications are categorised by codes.
- Fire Class A: These extinguishers are designed for extinguishing fires involving solid materials such as upholstery, paper, and wood.
- Fire Class B: Suitable for extinguishing flammable liquids like petrol and diesel, this class is also effective on gas fires.
- Fire Class C: Fire extinguishers with a Class C rating are capable of extinguishing natural gas and propane fires.
If you have a larger car or ample space in a van, we recommend opting for a larger fire extinguisher with a higher weight capacity. These provide a longer discharge time, making them more effective at tackling fires.
Are Car Fire Extinguishers Mandatory?
A question we often encounter is whether car fire extinguishers are compulsory. The answer is no. However, carrying a fire extinguisher is strongly recommended as a safety precaution.
Please note: regulations regarding fire extinguishers in vehicles vary across Europe. For instance, carrying a fire extinguisher in your car is mandatory in Belgium and Germany, and several other European countries have similar regulations. Therefore, it's essential to check local guidelines regarding fire extinguishers before travelling.
To avoid potential fines, we advise researching the regulations of your destination country and any countries you'll be passing through or frequent. The safest approach is to keep a fire extinguisher in your vehicle at all times.