What is the proper technique for fighting a vehicle fire?

Standing upwind and aiming at the base of the fire is the proper technique for fighting a vehicle fire because it allows you to avoid the heat and smoke while effectively targeting the source of the flames. By standing upwind, you are protected from the dangerous gases and potential flare-ups that can occur when attempting to extinguish the fire. Aiming at the base of the fire is crucial, as this is where the fuel is located, and effectively cooling or removing the heat from this area is essential to extinguishing the fire.

This method maximizes the chances of successfully putting out the fire while minimizing risk to the person attempting to fight it. Techniques that involve standing directly in front of the fire or throwing water from a distance are generally less effective, as they can expose the responder to dangerous conditions and may not adequately target the fuel source. Using a blanket may be appropriate in some types of small fires but is not generally effective for vehicle fires, especially if the fire is substantial, as it may not smother the flames sufficiently.