old school method if an engine backfires don't stop cranking and it will suck the flame back inside the motor. Could be thats what he was trying to do but that only works when the flame shoots up out of the carb it won't do anything for the flames on the valve covers, the pool of fuel on the intake, the puddle of fuel on the floor (wow). I thought he was a goner when he picked up the can of fuel to take it outside. And the cherry on top, take that hose and spay it right down the carb fill that motor with water. He's lucky he still has a home and to be alive.