responding and operating at motor vehicle fires

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Permalink Reply by Ed Watters on December 6, 2008 at 5:24pm

The following are some general recommendations to be included in proper sizeup and
implementation of tactics.:

1) Spot apparatus safely: Uphill, upwind .

2) Position Hose lines and Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher
. Our SOG's are 100' minimum of 1-1/2 " hose for car fires. The hydrant member will position the 20lb Dry Chemical and place it on the windward side of the vehicle if possible. Most 20lb Dry Chem's have a 15 to 20' range. The officer will grab the appropriate hand tools which may include the battey operated Halmotro or Rotary Saw.

3) Personnel Protection: Apparatus can be utilized to sheild the work area from traffic Hazards. It also improves equipment access.

4) Warning Devices - Utilization of traffic cones for safety. Use of apparatus warning lights
adhering to Department policy and State Laws. At night use the apparatus lights to illuminate the work area.

5) Water Supply - Our department dispatches two engines companies on the Freeways / highways since there is no Water Supply available.

6) Containment should be initiated to prevent large amounts of fuel from entering the drainage system. Do not fill the gas tank with water.

7) PPE's and SCBA's - All members working on a car fire should have full PPE's donned. The members involved in the Firefight should have their SCBA donned with face piece.

8) Use caution when working in or around car fires. Energy absorbing bumpers, air bags deployment, Batteries, fuel tank rupture just to name a few

9) Combustible Metals - combustible metals such as magnesium, used in many American and Foreign Automobile manufacturers. Use of Copius amounts of water or procure a Dry Powder
Extinguisher or bucket of dry powder such as Metal X.

10) Do not forget to check the trunk even if its not involved. We have come across dead bodies in the trunks of cars.

11) Make sure you get the Info from the car ie Lic Plate, Vin #, Make and Model and year for NFIRS.

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Permalink Reply by Stephen Mickiewicz on December 6, 2008 at 9:12pm

Thank you.

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