OG 4008 Car Fires

Issued By: FIRE PREVENTION (D. Day)
Approved By: Fire Chief William H. Mosher 
Date of Issue: 2009/05/28

Forms Required:    
•    FP-155 Photo Log Form


PURPOSE:
To set out operational tactics for the safe handling of motor vehicle fires.

OBJECTIVE:

Motor vehicle fires will be handled in a safe manner to ensure the safety of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency members. 

SCOPE:

This operating guideline applies to career and volunteer firefighters with Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency.

PROCEDURE: 

FIRE CONTROL OPERATIONS

•    The minimum level of protection for firefighters is full protective clothing with SCBA (with face piece in place.) Officers must wear full protective clothing in order to directly supervise crews.
•    The minimum size of hoseline is the 1"3/4 handline.

APPARATUS PLACEMENT

•    Apparatus should be placed up wind and uphill of the incident if possible. This is to afford protection from hazardous liquids and vapours and reduces smoke in the work area.


•    Consideration should be given to using the apparatus as a barrier, to shield the incident scene from traffic hazards. Warning lights should be left operating, in conjunction with the use of traffic cones where needed.
•    Additional consideration should be given to positioning the apparatus at an angle to better allow the removal of any hose from the pre-connect compartments.

WATER SUPPLY

•    If the water carried on the responding apparatus will not be sufficient, early considerations must be given to additional water supply sources. A supply line or other engines/tankers may be required. Aerial devices may be used as an improvised standpipe at incidents on elevated freeways or parking garages.

FIRE ATTACK

•    A working fire involving the interior of the vehicle passenger compartment will damage the vehicle beyond repair. As such, the attack plan should consider the vehicle as a “write off” and a safe and appropriate approach and fire attack must be implemented.
•    Where occupants are trapped in the vehicle, water should be applied to protect the occupants and permit rescue. Vehicle stabilization will be given primary consideration.
•    When rescue is not a factor, water should be applied for several seconds to extinguish fire or cool down the area around any fuel tanks or fuel systems. This is especially important if the fuel tanks are Liquidified Petroleum Gas (LPG) or Liquid Natural Gas (LNG).
•    At least one member of the attack team must have forcible entry tools in his/her possession to provide prompt and safe entry into the vehicle.

HAZARDS AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) are sometimes used as fuel for vehicles. Pressure release devices can create a lengthy “blow torch” effect, or should the pressure relief device fail, a BLEVE may occur. Vehicles may not be marked to identify this fuel hazard. If there is flame impingement on a visible LPG/LNG storage tank, take action to control the fire and cool the tank.

If vapours escaping from the storage tank relief valve have ignited, allow the LPG/LNG to burn while protecting Exposures and cooling the tank. Flow of gas through piping can be controlled by shutting off the valve at the storage tank.

Energy Absorbing Bumpers- consist of gas and fluid filled cylinders that, when heated during a fire, will develop high pressures which may result in serious injury to anyone in its path. Bumper assemblies have been known to travel 25 feet.

Supplemental Restraint Systems (Airbags) - vehicle Airbags will self-deploy when the gas generator inside the Airbag system reaches 350 F. Care should be taken around frontal Airbags, there have been documented cases of Airbag system failures during fire situations. Shrapnel and entire Airbag assemblies have been released and propelled beyond the vehicle. During initial attack, fire suppression should be attempted from the greatest possible distance that still allows for effectiveness. After initial knockdown has been accomplished, continue to cool the Airbag areas well after the fire has been extinguished in order to cool down the Airbag module.

Batteries- explosion hazard due to presence of hydrogen vapours. Avoid contact with battery acid. When the situation is stable, disconnect battery cables (ground cable first).

Combustible Metals- some vehicles have various parts made of combustible metals, such as engine blocks, heads, wheels, etc. When these metals are burning, attempts to extinguish them with water will usually add to the intensity of the fire. Large quantities of water, however, will cool the metal below its ignition temperature. After some initial intensification, the fire should go out. Dry chemical extinguishers can also be effective.

Trunk/Rear Hatch/Engine Hoods- Hold open devices may employ, along or in any combination with any of the following: springs, gas cylinders, extending arms etc. When gas cylinders are exposed to heat, failure or rupture of these devices should be expected. Excessive pressure may develop in lift assists causing a trunk, hatch or hood to fly open with explosive force when the latch mechanism is released. To ensure personal safety, be sure to allow sufficient clearance when releasing latches.

Fires involving the trunk/cargo area- should be approached with extreme caution. Contents may include toxic, flammable or other hazardous materials. Expect the worst!

Fuel Tanks- may be constructed of sheet metal or plastic. A rupture or burn through may occur with these tanks causing a rapid flash fire of the fuel. Do not remove gas cap, as tank may have become pressurized. Do not direct hose stream into tank, as this will cause pressurization of the tank, with a possible result of burning fuel spewing from the tank fill opening.

Interior- well-sealed interiors of modern vehicles present the potential for back draft. Use caution when opening doors or breaking windows. Ventilation and safety concerns must be considered. Have a charged hand line ready before making entry.

Vehicle Stability- some large vehicles such as buses, employ an air suspension system. When these systems are exposed to heat or flame, they may fail, causing the vehicle to SUDDENLY drop several inches.

RELAED POLICIES/ OPERATING GUIDELINES:

•    P-603 Emergency Operation of Vehicles

OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:

This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the operating tactics utilized at motor vehicle fires.