All race cars that compete in motorsports must include a properly mounted and secured fire extinguisher ready for a driver to grab when flames erupt. But complete fire suppression systems are slowly becoming mandatory in many circle track series, including dirt modifieds, late models, and sprints.

Mandatory or not, a fire suppression safety system can make all the difference in an emergency. Though fire retardant clothing can protect your skin, a fire suppression system protects your race car and stops flames in their tracks to prevent spreading before you can exit the vehicle. Explore our buying guide to learn more about fire suppression systems for your race car, including installation, maintenance, and SFI specifications.

How To Choose the Right Size FireBottle System for Your Race Car

A fire suppression system includes a fire bottle, cables, and tubing to put out fires in multiple areas of the race car. Fire suppression systems come in a range of weights from 2.5 to 10 lbs.; the weight refers to the size of the cylinder and how much fire-suppressing solution it contains. The larger the race car, the larger the fire suppression system it requires. A 1,400-pound Sprint car with a lightweight aluminum engine requires only a five-pound fire suppression system, while a 1,850-pound dirt modified with a cast iron V8 engine would require a 10-pound system. Check with the manufacturer for weight requirement information.

What Is the Difference Between a Manual and an Automatic Fire Suppression System?

The difference between a manual and an automatic fire suppression system is in the deployment method. An automatic suppression system deploys when a fire is detected. A manual system requires the driver to pull a lever on a cable-activated fire suppression system or strike a knob on a push model that releases the contents in the cylinder. FireBottle fire suppression systems will continue to discharge until the cylinder is empty.

Complete Fire Suppression Systems

FireBottle suppression systems come in a range of sizes and styles for late-model, modified, and sprint cars.

Dirt Late Model FireBottle Model AMRC-1002

This 10 lb. FireBottle safety system approved for use in two of the premier dirt late-model racing series: the Lucas Oil Late Model Series and the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. The SFI-approved AMRC-1002 is a dual automatic-manual fire suppression system, with two lines that set off automatically and three manually operated nozzles. AMRC-1002 fire suppression systems include cables, adapters, tube tees, roll bar mounts, and a 10 lb. cylinder.

Dirt Modified FireBottle Model FIRFC-1002

The SFI-approved FIRFC-1002 is a 10 lb. FireBottle safety system approved for dirt modifieds in DirtCar racing series, such as the Super Dirt Car Series. It features two lines that set off automatically and includes roll bar mounts and a 10 lb. cylinder.

Sprint Car FireBottle Model FIRAMSC-500H

New rules in 2023 require a fire suppression system in all of the major series, including the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. The SFI-approved FIRAMSC-500H is an automatic-manual fire suppression system with one line that sets off automatically and two manually operated nozzles. This fire suppression system includes cables, adapters, tube tees, roll bar mount clamps, and a 5 lb. cylinder.

FireBottle fire suppression systems will ground ship directly from the manufacturer in the state of Florida upon order; we do not stock these products in-house.

Fire Bottle System Installation

Install a fire suppression system properly to ensure it will work when the heat is on. Follow these general FireBottle and cable mounting instructions for a secure safety system.

FireBottle Cylinder Installation

First, choose a mounting point for the cylinder. The best position for most race cars is in the middle of the open bay in a horizontal position with the valve pointed toward the rear or vertically with the nozzle pointed up. Do not install a fire bottle with the nozzle pointed down; the system will not function properly when the nozzle is inverted.

AMRC-1002 & FIRFC1002 FireBottle suppression systems include two automatic nozzle lines—one for the driver’s compartment and the second for the fuel cell area. If using a manual three-nozzle system in the AMRC-1002, mount one in the cockpit and two in the engine bay.

FireBottle Remote Cable Mounting

• Drill a hole in the dash or bracket and thread the fire suppression system cable through the hole; affix a washer and nut to the backside.
• Back out the set screw and insert the cable end into the cable housing hole in the activating head. Cable housing must go all the way to the bottom of the hole. Tighten the screw to keep the cable connected.
• Ensure the one-inch cable extension passes through the plunger in the activating head and that the T handle is tight up against the cable shaft.
• Secure the excess cable to the roll cage with ties.
• Once all cables are secure, remove the pin from the head to activate the system.
• Place the decal near the T handle to mark the location of the fire extinguisher for the crew.

Note: Cable not included with push-activated fire suppression system models.

Tips to Remember:

• Install remote cables where they will not be crushed, split, or damaged by other components in the race car in the event of a collision.
• Keep the cable bend radius less than six inches.
• Cover fire bottle nozzles when cleaning the car to prevent accidental discharge or clogs.
• Use a solid mounting bracket for the handle to accommodate the firm pull required to activate the system.
• Keep the safety pin in place to prevent accidental discharge when transporting or storing the race car.

FireBottle System Maintenance

Perform routine maintenance on your FireBottle fire suppression system every few months to ensure the system discharges in the event of an emergency. Before performing maintenance on your FireBottle, insert the safety pin to prevent accidental discharge, and then follow these steps.

• Loosen the set screw; remove the cable and discharge line.
• Unscrew activating head, turning in a counter-clockwise direction, and remove it from the system.
• Remove the safety pin. Spray the head with lubricating grease.
• Work around the firing pin and push it back up; replace the safety pin.
• Blow out discharge lines with an air hose to remove any blockage.
• Check the pull cable for damage or debris.
• Once all parts have been checked and lubricated, replace the activating head.
• Replace the discharge tubing and pull the cable in the activating head.
• Tighten the set screw on the cable housing.
• Make sure the cable is secured and coming out of the back of the activating head before removing the safety pin for activation.

System Maintenance Tips:

• Keep all valve assemblies and remote cables clean and lubricated to prevent corrosion and ensure optimal performance.
• Check distribution tubing regularly and remove any obstructions, dirt, or other foreign material.
• Check the cables often to ensure it is still tight in the valve body.
• Replace any worn, rusted, or damaged parts and accessories.

FireBottle Recertification & Recharge

Re-certify and recharge FireBottle safety systems under six years of age. Once the FireBottle passes six years from the manufacture date, replace the system to ensure safety.

SFI Specifications for On-Board Fire Suppression Systems

On-board fire suppression systems fall under SFI specification 17.1. Fire bottles, extinguishers, and suppression systems must pass rigorous testing on all parts to ensure safety. The results must meet performance and suppression guidelines.

• Overall System Performance. The fire suppression system must extinguish a fire within 10 seconds and discharge 95% of the agent in the cylinder. Flames must not reignite after suppression.
• Front & Rear Engine Suppression. The fire suppression system must extinguish a fire in 10 seconds or less in a rear-engine race car and 20 seconds or less in a front-engine vehicle with no flame re-ignition.
• Automatic Thermostat Actuator. The automatic thermostat actuator must activate the fire suppression system within 15 seconds.

Once tests are concluded and authorized by a registered professional engineer, the manufacturer must submit the result report for approval and enrollment into the SFI program. The manufacturer can advertise that the product meets compliance with SFI specification 17.1. Each cylinder in the fire suppression system must display an SFI conformance label for identification and tracking. Manufacturers must submit periodic test reports to SFI once every 48 months after the initial validation or when product material or design changes.

Behrent’s Performance Warehouse carries a selection of FireBottle suppression systems, replacement cylinders, and safety equipment to bolster your car on race day. Explore the options to find the best gear for your needs.