Vehicle Fires

Section 2 - EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

PURPOSE:

To provide specific tactical level procedures for the extinguishment of vehicle fires.

PROCEDURE:

• Several important considerations need to be addressed when crews are faced with fighting active fire involving automobiles. These fires can be very unpredictable and are often considered mundane by the experienced firefighter. It is easy to fail to consider the potential dangers and challenges related to vehicle fires. This guideline serves only to remind all personnel of some of the common hazards and safety practices associated with vehicle fires. The Company Officer should realize that all fire situations pose specific challenges. Vehicle fires are often fought in high traffic situations where firefighters are exposed to the dangers of other motor vehicles around the scene The OIC should consider the safety of their personnel paramount to the flow of traffic in the area. The OIC should work with the Police to return traffic to normal as quickly as possible but never at the expense of creating an unsafe working environment.
• Vehicles are rolling hazardous material containers. Every vehicle on the road contains an amount of gasoline along with motor oil. In addition, vehicles today are storage lockers for people’s unwanted chemicals. Containers of every unknown product could be loaded in the vehicle, which is now on fire.
• Company Officers should be aware that when weighing the risk verses gain in fighting a vehicle fire, that most vehicles built in the last twenty years contain sensitive electrical components which if destroyed would render it a total loss. Therefore, attempts should be made to contain the fire to the area of origin while keeping risk to firefighters low. Aggressive attempts should be made to control fire exposures and damage to unburned areas of the car through the use of foam extinguishing agent.

SAFETY NOTE:

• While vehicle fires mostly occur outdoors, their products of combustion create a very hazardous environment for firefighters. Therefore, all firefighting including those involving vehicles SHALL BE PERFORMED IN FULL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING INCLUDING SCBA.
• Apparatus placement at vehicle fires is also critical. Engine companies should place their rigs up wind, and in a position which creates an additional safety zone for firefighters. Again, impeding the flow of traffic is critical to creating a safe work zone for firefighters. Engines should be angled so that lines can be easily deployed and a view of the fire scene is afforded to the pump operator. Careful attention must be given to the hazardous run off and the possible need to contact EPA.