I have never had any problems whilst starting my engine and after about 40 starts was getting quite confident in my start procedure and my setup. I had got to the point where I would leave the extinguisher 20 yds away or so whilst starting my engine.

Today I left the fuel tap open after a flight. I did notice but decided that it would be ok to start anyway. Well I was wrong. The fuel had pooled in the engine and caught fire. Fortunately I had a fellow jet flyer with me (for the first time ever) and he was holding the extinguisher in the intake when it happened. A quick squirt and it was all over.

I have learnt a lot from this, namely;

Always have the extinguisher to hand, 20 yds away is no good.
Never start the engine if the fuel tap has been left on until the engine has been drained/blown through.

Fortunately I suffered no damage but consider myself very lucky.