A few years ago Vern Dalman (a well known Airshow Performer) had a firewall forward fire that started on downwind in a Harmon Rocket.  Vern got it on the ground as quickly as anyone could have, according to many witnesses.  The fire burned holes thru the aluminum belly in that very short period of time causing fatal respiratory injuries to Vern.

 

I am ready to believe there are very few in-flight, firewall forward fires that could be extinguished.  If you are lucky enough to have your fire in the cockpit, Halon looks like the only possibility of an extinguisher saving the day. 

 

A parachute could save your bacon.  I watched Dave Morss simulate an escape by standing on the seat of a Legacy to force the canopy open, before he made the first flight.  Even then, you would have to be good enough to get it vertical and get in position to push out when slow enough.   There are some comfortable looking chutes out there at http://www.pia.com/silver/softies.htm   I have heard Allen Silver speak at Fly-In Forums and his web site has a lot of info if you consider this option.

 

Steve Colwell    Legacy