Cowling and tailpipe fires: Which statement is true?

• A. Tailpipe fires cannot spread
• B. Cowling fires may release trapped burning fuel
• C. They require no action
• D. They are always extinguished by shutting off fuel

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that fires in the engine cowling or tailpipe can trap burning fuel inside the nacelle. That trapped fuel can continue to burn and may be released or spread when you open panels or when heat drives fuel out of compartments. So the statement that cowling fires may release trapped burning fuel reflects a real hazard firefighters must plan for. The other ideas aren’t correct because tailpipe fires can spread and are not limited to staying put, action is required to control them, and simply shutting off fuel does not always extinguish the fire—fuel may already be trapped and burning, requiring extinguishing agents and cooling to fully suppress.