1. Emergency Procedures
Aircraft Fires

2. The Most Common Scenarios
Engine Fire During Startup
Electrical Fires
Engine Fire During Flight
Post-Crash Fire

3. Engine Fire During Startup
Most likely cause: over-priming, particularly during cold weather
Engine can backfire through carburetor, igniting fuel
Emergency Procedures (Cessna 182T):
If engine starts, run at 1700 RPM for a few minutes, then shut down and inspect for damage
If no start, continue cranking with throttle wide open, mixture to idle cut off, fuel selector turned to off, then
Fuel pump, magnetos, master switch off
Evacuate plane taking fire extinguisher
Use fire extinguisher, blanket or dirt to put out fire

4. Electrical Fire
Often detected before any flames through over- voltage warning or acrid smell
But smoke or smell could actually be from engine fire
If no flames, may want to turn off master and all electrical switches, then turn master on and electrical switches one at a time to try to isolate problem
Emergency Procedures (Typical):
Master switch (Alt and Bat) off
Communicate problem before this if possible
Cabin air and heat vents closed
Use fire extinguisher
After fire is out, open cabin vents
But beware of fire restart from increased air flow
Land as soon as possible

5. Engine Fire In Flight
Possible causes: leak in fuel line or mechanical pump, faulty carburetor, stuck valve or non- firing spark plug
Emergency procedures (typical):
Mixture control to idle cut off
Fuel selector valve turned off
Master switch (Alt and Bat) off
Cabin heat and air vents closed
O.K. to leave overhead vents open
Increase airspeed (within limits) to try to extinguish fire
Land as soon as possible (closest survivable location)

6. Post-Crash Fires Often more dangerous than the forced landing itself
Most light aircraft not designed to withstand crash impact; fuel spill and hot components may result in fire
The real threat may not be fire but smoke inhalation: CO and toxic gases from materials in A/C
Get out of the plane ASAP!
Use the fire extinguisher if safe to do so

7. The Best Solution - Prevention
During pre-flight inspection look for evidence of potential fire threats:
Fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid visible or can be smelled
Combustible materials in engine compartment: birds nest, rags
Exhaust system (for cracks)
Brake hydraulic line fittings
Look for leaks as part of pre-taxi brake checks
Before takeoff, test all electrical components you’re likely to use during the flight