They were using 5 pounders and most of the folks started spraying too far away from the fire. And yes, dry chemicals smothers the fire. One problem was the alcohol was still pouring out of the damaged fuel cell, so smothering won't work. A few 5 pounders did not have enough coverage to keep up with the amount of alcohol pouring out of the fuel cell. I guess I wasn't very clear, the problem here was the small size of the extinguishers and too few extinguishers.
Of course there was no way to stop the alcohol from pouring out of a hole, but water would have stopped the fire and cooled down the hot metal to stop re-igniting the fire. The fire crew at this track just did not have the correct equipment. And to me it did not look like the crew were trained in fire fighting.
Unless I missed it, I did not see anyone in the "aluminum foil" fire suit. I also did not see anyone trying to cut the belts. A track that is properly prepared will not need drivers getting out of their cars to try to rescue a burning driver.
I have been involved in a couple race car fires, plus pit fires.
My fear list is:
1. Velcro.
2. being trapped.
3. The sound of dripping fuel.
4. Fire.
Ok, kidding on the Velcro part....
