OG 4015 Garbage Container Fires

Issued By: OPERATIONS (S. Thurber)
Date of Issue: 1997/03/31
Revision Date: 2008/05/13


BACKGROUND:

Firefighters have been hurt and safety concerns have been raised as we attack these all too common fires. We forget that garbage containers contain someone’s trash. These contents are of no value to the owner. Garbage can contain everything from cardboard boxes, food, to flammable and hazardous materials. Generally there is little or nothing worth saving, nor is there a necessity for risking firefighter’s health and safety.

PURPOSE: 

To set a standard response and course of action when faced with a garbage container fire. This OG covers both the individual detached container as well as the compactor attached bins.

OBJECTIVE:

To ensure the safety of Firefighters when faced with garbage container fires. 

SCOPE:

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

PROCEDURE: 

GENERAL

When trash and garbage burn in steel containers, the major problem may be exposure, so a fire in these enclosed steel containers should be treated as it deserves. All personnel shall be dressed in full protective equipment including SCBA. As in the case of the detached bins, the preferred method of attack is the flooding of the bin. Any overhaul operations shall be conducted with the safety of personnel being the major concern. The value of what is to be saved should be carefully judged against any risk to personnel during this and any emergency operation. Safety of personnel shall be the major concern.

DETACHED BINS:

The preferred method to attack these fires is to flood the bin. This can be done using an 11/2" or 2 1/2" hose line at very low pressure. Total flooding of the unit should remove the need to overhaul the unit. Consideration should be given to plugging the drain holes. Personnel should be aware that this may be cause for an environmental concern which may require contacting the Department of Environment.

COMPACTORCONTAINER UNITS:

The compactor unit is hydraulically operated using electrical power to run the hydraulics. The main disconnect switch may be located inside the structure or externally on the compactor unit itself. In either case, the power should be disconnected to prevent accidental activation on the Ram. The Ram operates in a cycle. This means that once turned on, the Ram will extend itself, pushing the trash into the container, and then cycle back to the “home” position. Turning off the power switch will stop the Ram in position. This feature may be useful if the fire is located within the compactor unit or the garbage chute area. To activate the compactor unit, access to the building is normally required. Normal requirements call for the compactor unit disconnect switch to be in the off position until the compactor is required. Installations with the main power switch located within the structure will, in addition, have a switch located externally on the compactor unit. These switches may be kept locked or not. The containers are attached to the compactor units by two (2) grab hooks, one located on each side of the container. These grab hooks are controlled by a ratchet assembly. To separate the units, simply loosen the ratchet assembly and remove the hook.

If upon arrival, the officer in charge feels the situation may warrant the removal of said container, appropriate authorities are to be noticed; i.e. owner of said container, towing company etc.

RELATED POLICIES/ OPERATING GUIDELINES:

•    OG 3006 Overhaul operations

OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:

This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to procedure followed when at garbage container fires.