Mac's Reply

Recently a member of the Alfa Group lost their MH (and pet cat) in a MotorHome Fire.  There was a lot of discussion as to the correct extinguisher to use. 

I contacted Mac the Fire Guy for his input.  His reply shows he is an RVer,  RVer SAFETY is his FIRST concern, but he wants point out that he does sell this equipment. 

NOTE- We have attended Mac's Fire class at a LOW school. If you have the chance to attend one of his classes- DO SO, you will be surprised at what you will learn which could save your life.

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The following is a reply to my inquire.


I need to get something clear right off the bat.  I am an RVer and travel the country 10 months a year giving Fire Safety Classes.  I have attended an Alfa Rally several times and gave Fire Safety Classes.  I have 35 years in the Fire Service and have spent the last 12 years trying to make all RVers as safe as possible.   I have also reviewed many different systems for all RVs, but for sure MH's with diesels.  I want to spend a little time telling you all what I have discovered. 
 
Next, I do sell systems made for MH's and they came from the racing industry, heavy equipment industry and several different engineers have helped me over the last 4 years to come up with the best unit and material.
 
Halon works very well in an enclosed area, ie. boat engine compartments, enclosed rooms and any place that is fully enclosed.  Remember the MH engine compartment is not closed.  Race cars use them for instant fire extinguishment.  One thing to remember, they also count on the track safety crew to get to them before the re-fire, and there will be one.  Halon is a gas when it reaches 80 degrees.  It will snuff the fire quickly, but if you don't cool the area and cover the hydrocarbon it will re-light. 
 
I don't think we even need to discuss dry powder or CO2 unless you would like to.
 
Lets talk FOAM, if you talk to  fire departments, you will find that most of the FOAM they use is toxic and corrosive.  The New material is not, and it will not hurt your engine.  FOAM clings vertically and flows horizontally.  It also cools very quickly and flows where ever the hydrocarbon flows.  My system installs with 4 bolts in about 20-30 minutes.  I have units for the engine compartment and the generator compartment.  I have a small halon unit for the fridge compartment.  Why you say, would I need one there?  Well the two largest RV fridge manufactures have 2 recalls each and have recalled over 3 million units.  I have also installed two small ones inside my MH with a 167 degree head.  Why, well before it goes off your either out or dead.  167 degrees is just too hot for a human to live in. 
 
This is a long email, so I'll let you all digest this first.  Remember a couple of important things.  I have been teaching RV fire safety for 12 years.  I have taught fire safety for over 20 years and have never taught RV fire Safety to the fire service until now.  It is true that race cars, Monster Trucks, Racing PU's and other types of racers have systems, but I have found that 75% don't work.  It's scary that these folks trust their lives to a system that may not be serviceable.  If you want to use these systems besure you understand them.  If you want a simple unit to install and maintain you may want to contact me.
 
Macthefireguy