How to Safely React to Vehicle Fires

Written by Jennifer Amstell, a local contributor to NMVFC

You might think that vehicle fires only occur in action movies, but the truth is 33 car fires are reported every hour in the United States. November of last year saw exposed power lines fallen in Madison, illustrating that you never know when or how a fire may start. Luckily, this incident did not result in any roadside or vehicle fires, thanks to community respondents. Still, for the sake of personal safety, it’s best to be prepared by knowing what to do when faced with a vehicle fire.

Prevention

Good news; many vehicle fires can be prevented by properly maintaining the vehicle you’re driving. Most in-car fires are caused by fuel leaks or split fuel lines. Take your ride in for a tune-up once every year to make sure it’s in good working order. If your car begins to blow fuses frequently or you smell burning, get professional help asap. If you smell burning while driving and/or see smoke, pull over immediately, shut off the engine, and exit the vehicle. It’s also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. You never know when you might need one.

Reaction 

Car fires can happen in different areas of the vehicle; they’re not limited to under the hood. Be alert for signs of fire near areas like near the wheels/brakes, on the dash, and beneath the vehicle. If a fire does erupt but is contained, get everyone out and attempt to use a fire extinguisher if it’s easily accessible. If the fire is large, beneath the hood, or quickly spreading, don’t try to put it out yourself at this point. Get at least 200 feet away, and call for emergency assistance. If you don’t have your phone on you, do not go back in to get it. Instead, flag someone down (safely), or go to a public nearby place to ask for help.

Aftermath

Once everything is said and done, you may eventually wonder if your car is covered by your insurance in the case of fire. Contact your insurance company, take photos of the damage if possible, and get contact information for any witnesses that can testify to your claim. Before attempting to obtain any person items left in the vehicle, get a firefighter’s approval first so you know it’s safe. If the vehicle was towed before you returned to it, ask the authorities where it was taken. Finally, have the vehicle taken to a mechanic in order to determine whether or not it can be repaired to a drivable state. If it can’t, be sure to indicate this to your insurance company.

Fires are intimidating and dangerous beasts, but with fast and appropriate reactions, you can quickly tame it. Knowing what to do in an emergency and staying calm through the process can save lives.

Crew Kirst, in green, recently lost his life in a motor vehicle accident

The North Madison Volunteer Fire Company Remembers Crew Kirst

With sorrow and heavy hearts, the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company has hung purple
bunting in honor of one of its youngest department members, Crew Kirst, who lost his life in a
recent motor vehicle accident.

Crew joined the company, known as the “Nomads,” out of desire to give back to the community
and neighbors he loved. A welcomed addition to the Nomad family, Crew brought a relaxed
approach, genuineness, and positive attitude. He was light-hearted and quick on his feet with
comebacks and jokes. His ever-present sense of humor often kept his colleagues laughing,
whether when kicking back after a drill in the firehouse watch room or on dark, rainy nights
during long hours responding to burning transformers, downed wires and fallen trees.

No matter how big or small the job, Crew embraced the work and often stayed until the last
firefighter went home. He responded to structure fires and numerous other North Madison
emergencies on the worst winter days. Members recall him hooking up large diameter hose,
stretching it down the street to hook up to supply trucks, and carrying ladders and equipment
through deep snow at one February structure fire where water froze the driveway and road to ice.
At yet another recent fire, when most of the town still lacked electricity, Crew provided valuable
fire-ground manpower. Always committed to the end, he was one of the last members rolling
and packing heavy hose lines in tough snow and ice conditions, then staying on afterward at the
firehouse to powerwash, re-roll and repack the hose.

Crew’s energy, spirit, and dedication to the company and his teammates inspired everyone
around him. He sought out opportunities to learn from senior members, who in turn relied on
Crew’s knowledge of each fire apparatus and cargo–notably small gas-powered
equipment—which Crew knew well not only from his years as a junior member, but also through
his passion for motocross. In turn, he mentored younger members, who saw him as a role model
for his ability, his sense of fun, his good-natured “busting” on them, for making them feel they
belonged, and especially for his small but meaningful acts of kindness: One night after a drill
during exam week, for example, Crew drove a junior’s forgotten backpack all the way downtown
to school. Last October, another member recalls, he “saved the day” with a last-minute repair to
the burn box during the company’s open house: “His contributions were clutch!” As a former
junior describes Crew, “He was a great soul.”

Crew clearly loved his experience with the Nomads, and envisioned becoming a career
firefighter. He took his training seriously, earning the respect of fellow Nomads who found him
very knowledgeable, dependable and committed to the department and the greater community.

Crew’s unforgettable smile and many contributions to the company will remain forever in his
colleagues’ hearts. His spirit, selflessness, and joy in serving others will continue to inspire all
those who knew him.

Gabe Balsamo joined NMVFC as a junior firefighter in 2006. His initial responses were on his bicycle from his residence on Summer Hill. Over the years, the bicycle was replaced with a Jeep, and he now has a home of his own on Dorset Lane, where he lives with his fiancée, Kelsey. Rumor has it that his response time is still the same! For the past 6 years, Gabe has served NMVFC as a Lieutenant and has been a major contributor to the department.

After graduating from Hand in 2009, Gabe went on to attend the University of New Haven. He expanded his education in the fire service by studying Fire Science and Arson Investigation along with a minor in Criminal Justice. Gabe has continued to further his education by taking fire service courses and is currently certified at the Fire Service Instructor 1 level.

In addition to being an active Line Officer,  Gabe oversees the company’s fire gear and personal protective equipment, always making sure every firefighter has the proper PPE needed for the job. He also manages the pager program and social media for the department. Gabe brings energy and enthusiasm to everything he does. You know that Gabe is around by his loud voice and laughter that can be heard from any part of the firehouse.

Gabe is an outstanding leader and has a strong passion for the fire service. It shows both on and off the fire grounds. He has taken new firefighters under his wing by showing them the ropes and is always available to answer a question no matter what time, day or night. He is regarded by the junior firefighters as a mentor in fire department related activities and has provided guidance in preparing them for college and life in general. Gabe defines the word dedicated.

This past year, Gabe has responded to over 50% total calls for service that included manning the fire station during the March Nor’easters! For his outstanding dedication and service to NMVFC and the North Madison community, we name Gabe Balsamo as our Spirit of the Company recipient.