Generally, when an induction fire occurs during starting of a reciprocating engine, the first course of action should be to:

Generally, when an induction fire occurs during starting of a reciprocating engine, the first course of action should be to:

• A. Continue cranking and start the engine if possible
• B. Discharge carbon dioxide into the air intake of the engine
• C. Close the throttle
• D. Stop and evacuate the area

Answer: (A)

Induction fire during starting happens when a flame burns in the intake/induction path while fuel can still be flowing or present there. The way to handle it effectively is to keep cranking and try to start the engine if possible. The rapid air movement as the engine spins helps pull the flame into the cylinders where it will ignite the proper air–fuel charge and then be exhausted, effectively clearing the fire from the induction system. If you stop cranking or reduce airflow, the flame can linger in the intake and may spread or cause more damage. Other options, like introducing CO2 into the intake or closing the throttle, don’t address the fire in the induction stream and can complicate the situation. Stop and evacuate is not the immediate necessity if you can safely start and clear the fire.

Induction fire during starting happens when a flame burns in the intake/induction path while fuel can still be flowing or present there. The way to handle it effectively is to keep cranking and try to start the engine if possible. The rapid air movement as the engine spins helps pull the flame into the cylinders where it will ignite the proper air–fuel charge and then be exhausted, effectively clearing the fire from the induction system. If you stop cranking or reduce airflow, the flame can linger in the intake and may spread or cause more damage. Other options, like introducing CO2 into the intake or closing the throttle, don’t address the fire in the induction stream and can complicate the situation. Stop and evacuate is not the immediate necessity if you can safely start and clear the fire.