Several weeks ago, a driver in Nebraska, Tony Linner, was involved in a crash that resulted in a fire and he was in the burning car for an estimated 5 minutes. There are lots of questions that result from this situation...let's take a positive slant on the situation...what can we learn?
Be interested in what kind of fire suppression equipment is available where you race. Ask questions of the safety team (yes, there should be one)...if you are using methanol, water-based extinguishers are much better than dry chemical. Are the team members wearing firesuits or other protective clothing? Is there an ambulance present? What are their medical capabilities (EMT, Advanced, Paramedic)? Do they transport or meet another unit in the parking lot? Does the safety team have hydraulic rescue tools or do they call the local FD/rescue squad? Either way is not awful...just good to know.
Another detail about this incident...apparently the driver removed his helmet before getting out of the car...before he could get out, the ruptured tailtank (no bladder) and resulting fuel spill ignited...it is probably a good idea to leave your helmet on until you are away from the car.
If you are not using a bladder in whatever kind of fuel tank you have, please reconsider that situation. Only 5 gallons of fuel makes one dandy fire that can seriously hurt you...if you do not have the money for a fuel cell....maybe...
How about your firesuit? Is it at least double layer? Is it clean and free of grease/oil stains? Are they areas that are torn, frayed, or worn thin? REPLACE IT.
I have visited burn units...I have had significant burns...I have taken care of severely burned patients...none of these was a particularly pleasant experience...and I was not the patient in the burn unit!
At the end of the day, everyone goes home standing up!
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