VEHICLE ACCIDENTS AND FIRESMorris County

Public Safety Training Academy2017

OBJECTIVES

• IDENTIFY THE 3 ZONES OF VEHICLE FIRES• IDENTIFY THE SAFEST APPROACH AREA

FOR VEHICLE FIRES• IDENTIFY THE PROPER ATTACK METHODS

FOR VEHICLE FIRES• IDENTIFY SAFETY HAZARDS PRESENT AT

VEHICLE FIRES• IDENTIFY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AT

VEHICLE FIRES

Fire Fighter I Objectives

• Describe the two types of motor vehicles. • Describe a vehicle anatomy.• Describe the four different types of alternative

fuels that power motor vehicles. • Describe the extrication tools that are used for

accessing locked compartments in a motor vehicle.

• Describe how to gain access to a victim of a motor vehicle collision.

Introduction

• Beginning fire fighters must understand the process of extrication. – Most fire departments are involved in some part of

the extrication process. • Members of special rescue teams should

complete a course in rescue techniques.

Conventional Vehicles

• Most vehicles on the road• Use internal combustion engines• Burn gasoline or diesel fuel• Hazards

– Fuel leaks– Short circuits– Battery acid leaks

Alternative-Powered Vehicles

• Powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane– Cylinders usually in

trunk– Identified by CNG

stickerCourtesy of DOE/NREL, Credit - Warren Gretz

Electric-Powered Vehicles

• Contains a large number of batteries • Hazards posed by:

– Large amount of energy stored in batteries– Potential electrical shorts

Hybrid Vehicles

• Battery-powered electric motors and a gasoline-powered engine

• Hazards are same as gas- and electric-powered vehicles.

• Fire fighters should become familiar with features.

Alternative-Powered Vehicles

• May be powered by four types of fuels:– Blended liquid– Compressed gases– Electric and gas hybrid combination– Fuel cells

• Crashes involve hazards not typically encountered.

Blended Liquid Fuel-Powered Vehicles

• Combination of gas and another flammable liquid

• Identified by placards or designations• Crashes are handled the same manner as

conventional vehicles

Compressed Gas-Powered Vehicle

• Three forms:– Compressed natural gas (CNG)– Liquefied natural gas (LNG)– Liquefied petroleum gas (propane)

• Rescuers need to identify and mitigate hazards.

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

• Two separate systems to power drive train– Fuel-driven power

train– Electric motor

• Components continue to change

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

• Crashes contain similar hazards as conventional vehicles.

• High-voltage battery packs located under/behind rear seats of trunk.

• Personal protective equipment may be required to disconnect or remove fuses.

Fuel Cell-Powered Vehicles

• Generate electricity though chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen gases to produce water

• Issues need to be worked out before fuel cell-powered vehicles are widely produced.

Responding to the Scene

• Safe response includes:– Picking the best route of travel for the time of day– Driving in a safe manner – Knowing limits of your vehicle – Keeping seatbelts fastened

Principles of Gaining Access and Disentangling the Victim

• Use these techniques– Stabilize – Bend, distort, or displace – Cut or sever– Disassemble

Tools Used in Extrication

• Stabilizing tools– Cribbing– Rescue lift air bags– Step blocks– High-lift jacks and stabilization jacks

Tools Used in Extrication

• Displacing, bending, distorting tools– Hand tools, such as pry axe, short pry bars, long pry

bars, hacksaws, screw drivers, hammers, and Halligan tools

– Power tools. such as hydraulic rams and hydraulic spreaders

Tools Used in Extrication

• Cutting tools– Hand tools

• Axes• Bolt and cable cutters• Hacksaws

– Power tools• Air chisels• Rotary or

reciprocating saws• Hydraulic cutters

Tools Used in Extrication

• Tools for disassembling– Same tools used for construction and repair– Mechanic’s toolkit contains an assortment of

wrenches and screwdrivers

Gaining Access to the Victim

• Open the door– Easiest and simplest way to gain access– Try all doors.– Try the outside and inside handles at the same time

if possible.

Terminating an Incident

• Includes removing the vehicle and equipment from the scene and ensuring it is left in a safe condition– Return to the station and fully inventory, clean,

service, and maintain all equipment– Some items will need repair

Securing the Scene

• Law enforcement will secure the scene• Vehicles will be removed by a tow agency

– Fluids spilled will be cleaned by towing agency• Exception to procedure is a fatality

Motor Vehicle Fires

THREE ZONES OF VEHICLE FIRES

• ENGINE COMPARTMENT

ENGINE COMPARTMENT

• This includes the engine, its components, or other parts of the vehicle normally found under the hood

Fires in the Engine Compartment (1 of 3)

Engine compartment filled with devices using petroleum products

Batteries contain sulfuric acid.

Direct water into wheel wells and through the front grill.

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Fires in the Engine Compartment (3 of 3)

• Use straight stream from 50' and approach with slow, sweeping motion.

• Change to a fog when closer. • Use water liberally if significant damage has

already occurred.• Disconnect the power by cutting the battery

cables.

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Fires in the Engine Compartment (2 of 3)

• Pull hood-release latch.– If successful, trip secondary latch.– If not, use a pry bar to pry up a corner on the hood.– Twist the hood-release cable with a gloved hand or

a Halligan bar.• Open the hood and extinguish fire.

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Dangers

• Batterya) Explosionsb) Shock (possible double grounds)c) Produces Hydrogen Gasd) Chemical burns• Fuel pumpa) “in-line” being mounted on the fuel line itself.

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Dangers

• Front bumper and struts• Tires – increase tire pressures • Fluids leaking downhill• Chock the wheels

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• Video – Runaway car fire Van fire and near miss

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FOUR ZONES OF VEHICLE FIRES

• PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

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PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

• This includes any fire in the passenger compartment, trunk, truck bed, or any other interior portion of a vehicle

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Fires in the Passenger Area

• Use straight stream from 50' and approach with slow, sweeping motion.

• Change to a fog when closer.• Foam can be used for any burning

flammable liquids.• Begin overhaul after steam clears.• Do not place yourself in path of airbags.

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Dangers

• Limited space to fight fire• Air bags not deployed• Anything you can find in trunk you can find in

the passenger compartment.

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Five Major Dangers

• 2. PLASTICS The majority of the interior components and many of the other components are plastic. a. Give off highly toxic gasses b. Burn rapidly at high temperatures

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FOUR ZONES OF VEHICLE FIRES• TRUNK COMPARTMENT

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Fire in the Trunk• Initial access by knocking out a tail light• Use a Halligan tool to force the lock for

entry.• Charged line must be ready.• Approach with caution.

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Dangers

• What do people carry in trunk?• Small propane tanks (BBQ)• Pool chemical• Paints• Ammo/weapons• Household/garden chemicals/sprays• Gasoline cans (one gal. to 5 gal.)• Etc.

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FOUR ZONES OF VEHICLE FIRES

• UNDERCARRAIGE

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UNDERCARRAIGE

• This includes any fire involving vehicle components that are underneath the vehicle, or fires, such as a grass fire that are underneath a vehicle

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Five Major Dangers

1. Catalytic Converters * Primarily an ignition source hazard * Can ignite grass or other combustibles

underneath vehicles. * Catalytic Converter Temperatures * Proper operating temperature: Internal temp: about 1300 deg F.

External temp: about 1000 deg F. * Poorly running engine: Internal temp: as high as 2500 deg F.

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Five Major Dangers

3. FUEL SYSTEMS Fuel is an inherent danger in vehicle fires. A. Fuel tanks exposed to fire: Older fuel tanks were vented. Modern fuel systems have fuel evaporation control systems: -Fuel tanks are sealed so that vapors cannot

escape. -Makes fuel tanks more susceptible to pressurization and rupture. -Pressurized fuel can spray as far as 60 feet.

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Five Major Dangers

FUEL SYSTEMS cont. B. Alternate fuel systems present special hazards. Fuel cells are found in special compartments. Alternate fuels include: Propane, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Electric Vehicles, Alcohol (Methanol)

C. Propane, CNG and LNG Danger of escaping vapors igniting Danger of a BLEVE LNG tanks look like thermos’ and are less likely to be damaged by fire or BLEVE.

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Five Major Dangers

D. Multiple fuel tanks: 1. May be an unknown or unexpected hazard 2. Leaking or escaping fuel: 3. Potential of pooling or settling in low area. Potential for flash ignition. 4. May be made of plastic or metal. 5. Plastic tank may burn thru/spill fuel on ground.

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Five Major Dangers

• Fuel tanks (cont.)

6. Metal tanks, expanded seam can drip fuel on ground. 7. Newer vehicles have pressure/vacuum valve in tank fill valve. 8. Many have a “roll-over” check valve, which closes if car overturns.

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FIVE Major Dangers

• Fuel tanks (cont.)

9. Rear impact of a collision can cause tank to split, spilling/dripping fuel. 10. Gas tank rarely explode.

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FIVE Major Dangers

• Fuel tanks (cont.)

9. Rear impact of a collision can cause tank to split, spilling/dripping fuel. 10. Gas tank rarely explode.

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Five Major Dangers

4. SEALED COMPONENTS Many sealed containers are found in vehicles that may become pressurized when heated. *Gasses inside expand *Can release and shoot projectiles such as bumpers and metal fragments with extreme force. -These include: Shock absorbing bumper mounts, shock absorbers, struts, hatchback pistons and hood supports, hollow drive-shafts and tires. -Airbags also present a danger to Firefighters and passengers during vehicle fires.

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Five Major Dangers

5. Other Dangers A. Metals: aluminum or magnesium alloy 1. Imported vehicles – magnesium in transmission housing/engine block. 80% magnesium/20% aluminum 2. Temperature 900 to 1,205 degrees 3. Violent reaction to water 4. Usually burns white 5. Low melting point

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Danger

• Video – FF explosion in face

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Five Major Dangers

5. Other Dangers (cont.) A. Tires: made of rubber 1. May be difficult to extinguish. 2. When the tire pressure (psi) exceeds limits, tire explodes off the rims. 3. Some trucks may have split rims will come apart when tires let go. 4. Use sand, foam to extinguish. 5. Always place a wheel choke to keep vehicle from rolling away.

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DANGER ZONES

• 100 Feet around vehicle (Crowd control)• Full PPE is required in this area (inc SCBA).• Area directly in front of and behind vehicle is

most dangerous.

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Safe Area Around the Vehicle• Only fire fighters within 50’• Approach from uphill and upwind side.• Sweep the bottom part of the vehicle.• Extinguish all visible fire while advancing

toward the vehicle.• Foam can extinguish and prevent reignition.

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COMMON TERMS OF FIREFIGHTING

Strategy: the planTactics: the methods used to accomplish the planOffensive Operations: usually indicating interior operations,

putting water on the seat of the fire. (for vehicle fires this may involve attacking the vehicle at close proximity with hand lines)

Defensive Operations: stationary positions of lines (exterior). Usually allowing the fire to consume the involved area. (for vehicle fires this may include applying water from a distance with hand lines or using master streams)

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EIGHT BASIC STEPS IN FIRE FIGHTING STATEGY

• SIZE-UP• RESCUE• EXPOSURE PROTECTION• CONFINEMENT• EXTINGUISHMENT• OVERHAUL• VENTILATION• SALVAGE

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VEHICLE FIRE SIZE UP

SIZE-UP IS ALWAYS AND FIRST. SIZE-UP BEGINS WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS AND CONTINUES UNTIL THE INCIDENT IS OVER.

APPROACH VEHICLE FROM UPHILL AND UPWIND WHENEVER POSSIBLE.

MUST DO SCENE SURVEY, (WHAT CAUSED FIRE? MVC? OCCUPANTS? EXPOSURES?

WHERE IS FIRE IN VEHICLE?

POSSIBILITY OF VEHICLE ROLLING

OVERHEAD POWER LINES

TRAFFIC HAZARDS

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SIZE UP59

SIZEUP60

SIZE UP61

ON SCENE CONSIDERATIONS

Apparatus location: *Park apparatus a minimum of 75’ from fire. *Attempt not to park directly in front or behind burning vehicle. * Use apparatus as a shield when you park. * Park at an angle so that it blocks traffic coming at you.o Remember the your apparatus is the most expensive exposure at the scene.

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ON SCENE CONSIDERATIONS

Establish Incident Command:Ensure a quick tour of scene (360deg) is done to

address any rescue or important exposure problem. Address any rescue concern. (Life Safety has

priority) Address any exposure problems: parking lots,

parking garages, garages, roadways, next to buildings, fields, etc.

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EXPOSURE TACTICS

Minimum hose size of 1 ½” capable of flowing a min of 125gpm. (bigger may be needed depending on exposure)

Water has to be directed onto exposure (water curtains do not work)

Sometimes the best exposure protection is a rapid knockdown of the fire.

Vehicle fires inside buildings should be treated as structure fire with an added hazard.

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CONFINEMENT TACTICS

• Apply foam to leaking fuels to prevent ignition.• NEVER remove fuel tank cap• Stabilize vehicle to prevent rolling away

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EXTINGUISHMENT

• Extinguishment is addressed only after rescue, exposure protection and confinement issues have been handled.

• It is best accomplished through an offensive attack, but a defensive attack must remain as an option if an offensive attack is not safe.

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EXTINGUISHMENT TACTICS

Several extinguishing agents may be used: water, Class A Foam, Class B Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO2).

Minimum hose line size of 1 ½” and capable of flowing 125gpm. Recommended hose line sizes for vehicle fires: 1 ½”, 1 ¾” and

2”. A back-up line of equal or greater diameter of attack line should

be deployed as soon as possible. Attack the fire with a straight stream from a distance of approx 30

feet from a 45 deg angle from the center of the vehicle, knocking fire down from a safe distance.

As approaching the vehicle adjust the stream to a 15 deg fog and begin working towards the seat of the fire.

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VEHICLE FIRE ATTACK68

SAFE APPROACH TO VEHICLE

• 45 DEGREES FROM FRONT OR REAR WHEELS

• STRAIGHT STREAM FROM AFAR AND APPROACH

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Danger

• Video – Bumper shock explodes

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VEHICLE FIRE ATTACK

• 1 ½” HOSELINE OR GREATER CAPABLE OF FLOWING 125 GPM ATTACKLINE

• EQUAL OR GREATER BACK UP LINE

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ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

Extinguishment Methods: 1. Piercing Nozzle a. Back up Line must be deployed b. May be driven through hood or fenders c. Avoid areas that will cause you to drive the nozzle through a battery

2. Make an opening for a fire stream a. Use a tool such as a Halligan to lift a small gap between the hood and fender. (dog ear) b. A straight stream can be directed through the gap to knock down the fire.

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ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

3. Through the fender well a. only works in some vehicles b. Aim straight stream into area above tire

4. Through the radiator a. stand at an angle to the radiator (not in front of

the bumper) about 20 feet away b. Aim straight stream at the radiator (only a small

amount of water will get through)

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ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

• Once the fire is knocked down, cool bumper shock absorbers and attempt to open the hood. Be cautious of flash fires and always TRY BEFORE YOU PRY!

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UNDERCARRAIGE FIRES

• Three basic methods can be used a. A straight stream can be used from a distance to reach under the vehicle. b. Deflect a straight stream off the pavement. c. Open the hood and flow water through the engine compartment.

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SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Magnesium (Flammable Metal) a. Magnesium is water reactive when burning (Volkswagen engines) b. A class “D” or DRY sand may be used. These methods are not effective on vertical surfaces. Battery Operated Vehicles a. Treat the same as other vehicle fires. However, beware of the additional health and environmental hazards. b. No potential for electric shock

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OVERHAUL

Once knockdown occurs, it is necessary to check for extension and hidden fires.

* Needs to happen as soon as possible after knockdown. * There are still many hazards present. * Consideration must be given to preserving evidence.

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OVERHAUL

Overhaul Tactics 1. As soon as possible, disconnect the battery cables, cool fuel tank and cool shock absorbing bumpers. 2. Search for extension and hidden fire a. Check seat cushions dashboards and carpet pad. (good time to use class “A” foam) b. Open trunks or other cargo areas. Be prepared to find anything in vehicles such as 20# propane cylinders, pool chemicals, gasoline cans, etc.

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PRESERVING EVIDENCE

Most suspicious vehicle fires are at night and in deserted areas. Most vehicles that are set involve vehicles that are insured and not

paid off. Over 50% of total loss vehicle fires are arson.

Things to look for at arson fires:Missing gas capBurned hands on driverAccelerant containersEmpty glove compartment or trunkWorn out tires on new car/ missing lug nutsMissing engine partsRemoved items….radio, paperworkReport any of these things to officer immediately

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Alternative Fuel Vehicles (1 of 3)

• Be alert for these vehicles.• Use unmanned master streams. • Compressed natural gas (CNG).

– Cylinders similar to SCBA cylinders– Usually in the trunk– Nontoxic and lighter than air

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Alternative Fuel Vehicles (2 of 3)

• Liquefied propane gas (LPG)– Cylinders similar to those in heating/cooking– Heavier than air, vapors will pool or collect in low

areas.

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Alternative Fuel Vehicles (3 of 3)

• Hybrid vehicles– Small gasoline motors and large battery banks– Batteries are very hazardous and may explode

when burning.– Runoff is hazardous.– High-voltage lines can cause serious injury or

death if cut.

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Summary MV

Establish a safe standard of vehicle firefighting. Have the same focus on safety as a structure fire. Wear full PPE and SCBA Proper advancement with hoseline. (45 degree angle) Proper selection of hoseline for based on the potential fuel load. Proper apparatus placement.

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Summary

• Motor vehicle design is evolving.• Alternative-powered vehicles may be powered

by CNG, LNG, or propane.• Electric-powered vehicles are powered by

batteries.• Hybrid vehicles use a battery-powered electric

motor and gas-powered engine.

Summary

• There are six main parts of a vehicle.• Four techniques may be used for gaining

access to and disentangling the victim.• Tools for stabilization and cutting are used for

extrication.