Application to join SMG and start an 'I beat the fire' group

I think the title probably gives it away - caught fire on the way home yesterday. Luckily I managed to notice and just got it out before it reached the fuel lines.


If you havent got an extinguisher fitted in your van I now cant recommend one highly enough. I havent yet (still waiting on the group buy) but very fortunately an cheap nasty handheld and a couple of bottles of water managed to get it out.


Anyway, somehow the fan cover and the foam that fits in the tinware managed to catch alight, if I hadnt noticed a severe power drop I wouldnt have got to it in time.


Whats the criteria for the SMG? Is being too scared to drive it at the moment a valid reason?


Few pics of the damage below








and one for the 'those that didnt make it home' thread








A very gutted feeling dubster

 

Phew, well done in catching it in time mate! You've motivated me to fit my system straight away, today.
Cheers
s

 

close shave there dubster well done to catch it in time, its a warning to us all

 

man you were really lucky .... hope you get it all sorted soon!

 

So know how you feel and now absolutely advocate fire extinguishers.

I had similar experience, where I was driving, noticed smoke coming in (hard not to!), pulled over, opened engine bay and saw flames looking around the manifold and creeping up to the float bowls. Panicked big style and even contemplated unzipping and using a "natural" water source before remembering a bottle of water stashed away. Fortunately had enough water to put out the fire but close call. Inspection revealed rocker cover gasket leaking oil onto manifold, which then caught fire.

Fire extinguishers are essential.

 

You are so lucky to have caught it in time mate, glad to hear both you and the bus are ok................

 

Wow a lucky escape im glad your all safe and sound

 

Hmmmm

Must go and buy an extinguisher now !

You can get an auto extinguisher fitted in Engine bay can't you ?

Does anyone have one ? Are they expensive to buy and have installed ?

 

Easy to fit ?

My engine bay has top inspection hatch. Is that a problem ? (Not sure it should or could be)

 

Check out:
http://firetecuk.com/pages/en/firetec-products.php
for info on the systems that were (are?) on the group buys on the old site.
They came in upright or horizontol orientation and with or without protection 9 a spiral wire around the hose.
The protection makes it really easy to zip tie the hose where you want it.

This guy is good to talk o at Firetec:

Tim Malyon
Technical director
Fire Monitoring Systems Ltd. (FIRETEC).
Biggarts House, Beattock, Scotland. DG10 9RH.
Tel UK: 0845 500 9339
Tel int: + 44. 1683 300 322
Fax: int: + 44. 1683 300 633
www.FiretecUK.com

Cheers
s

 

Crumbs that's scary stuff glad all okay though!

 

Im thinking of getting one of these, only £36

http://www.fireprotectiononline.co.uk/2kg-automatic-fire-extinguisher.html

 

I heard a traffic report on R2 this morning, I wasnt really listening until I heard 'camper van fire' ... I still dont know where it was, hope its not one of our lot..
I carry 2 handhelds in my van..