ABSTRACT
By far the largest category of automotive fire usually involves fuel leaking onto a hot portion of the engine. The engine block, and especially the exhaust manifold and exhaust, is a ready source of ignition energy after the engine has run for a time. Fuel can leak onto the engine from many locations. Some vehicles use metal fuel lines. Metal lines, especially steel lines, seem to be superior to other types because burning gasoline does not melt steel. When fuel fires occur in the engine compartment, as most do, the fire damage pattern on the hood can be very helpful. Since many fuel fires occur in the upper portions of the engine compartment, the flames will often directly impinge on the underside of the hood. A cause of fire that occasionally occurs is right after refueling. Sloppy fueling of the vehicle can often leave a small amount of gasoline trapped in the refueling port.
