Keep fire extinguishers within reach - ASP Obeng

Drivers have been advised to place fire extinguishers closer to them, preferably under the driver’s seat or at the front compartment, to enable them react speedily and defensively to vehicular fire threats.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Alexander Kweku Obeng, Head of Education and Research Unit of National Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of Ghana Police Service, gave the advice in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Monday.

He said though fire extinguishers, together with spare tyre, first aid kits and other accessories were required by law to be on board a vehicle without any reference to specific location, it was preferable for the fire extinguisher in particular to be located closer to the driver for quick assess in case of fire threat.

ASP Obeng said in case of a fire threat, a driver might not have the luxury of time to get to the trunk (car boot) to search, locate and take a fire extinguisher adding “The fire cannot wait for you to do all that before it starts spreading fast.”

He said regulations on fire extinguishers, stressed that a driver should have on board his or her vehicle, a fire extinguisher that had the appropriate weight and functioning.

In case of fire threat, ASP Obeng advised drivers to be capable of pulling the pin around the nozzle of a fire extinguisher, hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from the user, aim the nozzle of the extinguisher, which had been held in an upright position at the base of the source of fire.

He added that, the trigger should be squeezed slowly and evenly to release the extinguishing agent or chemical, while the user made a sweeping motion until the fire was diminished.

ASP Obeng cautioned drivers involved in vehicular fire emergencies not to fully open the bonnet of their vehicles since oxygen, which aided burning, could enter the fire source to make situation worse.

He failed to disclose the number of vehicular fire cases in the country but said the danger was getting worse due to existence and use of older vehicles on the road.

ASP Obeng recommended that drivers needed to upgrade their knowledge and skills in driving by enrolling at the National Drivers Academy.**