by Squigie » Sat Nov 14, 2020 11:48 am
I keep at least one "RV and automotive" size extinguisher in each vehicle, and in each enclosed trailer.
In the vehicles, they're generally in the back of the passenger compartment - somewhere. Accessible and never in a trunk, but each vehicle is different.
In the trailers, they're near a door or hatch, mounted to a wall or bulkhead, and opposite and as far away as reasonably possible from the most likely ignition sources (cooking apparatus, places I tend to hang or set lanterns, electrical junction boxes / inverters, etc.).
Having a fire extinguisher available - and knowing when and how to use it properly - is always better than wishing you had one; or taking the ignorant approach because, "that one time that I used it wrong, for the wrong fire, it didn't work."
Know how to use it. But know when to use it, too.
For example....
About 3 years ago, I was a few cars behind a vehicle (a "toaster" hatchback - Nissan Cube, Kia Soul, one of those boxes on wheels) that suddenly burst into flame while traveling at about 70 mph on the highway. By the time the vehicle was stopped, the car was fully engulfed. I didn't even bother reaching for the extinguisher in my truck, because it would not have been enough for that fire. The single occupant got out without injury, and we watched the car burn together, as a dozen other people just sat in their vehicles.
Having a fire extinguisher (or three) is always better than being ignorant. But, sometimes, the little guys (3-5 lb) just aren't going to be enough for certain types of fires.
Know when to hold 'em. Know when to fold 'em.