Firefighter Safety
Vehicle Fire, Rescue, & Scene
Safety
Vehicle Fire, Rescue, & Scene Safety
I. RESPONSE INFORMATION
A. Location of accident
B. Kinds of vehicles involved
C. Number of vehicles
D. Condition or position of vehicles
E. Number of people injured & type of injuries
F. Any special hazard information
Vehicle Fire, Rescue, & Scene Safety
II. APPROACH
A. Uphill
1. To keep burning fuels away from firefighters
B. Upwind
1. To keep smoke and combustion gases blowing away from firefighters
Vehicle Fire, Rescue, & Scene Safety
III. ATTACKING & EXTINGUISHING
A. Full personal protective clothing & equipment
B. Attack lines charged & ready
C. Back-up line and or dry chemical extinguisher
D. Spray ground under vehicle to wash away gas, oil, and fluids to create
a safer work area
E. Make entry to involved part of vehicle
F. Work in pairs
G. If forcible entry is necessary, be cautious of glass, sharp metal objects
TRY BEFORE YOU PRY!
H. Open hood compartment and prop open
I. Call additional help as needed
Vehicle Fire, Rescue, & Scene Safety
III. ATTACKING & EXTINGUISHING CONTINUED
J. Provide adequate traffic and scene control measures
1. Use flares or appropriate safe warning devices
K. Provide portable lighting for visibility at night
L. Remove or cut battery cables
1. Disconnect or cut negative attachment first
2. Be cautious of hydrochloric acid
Vehicle Fire, Rescue, & Scene Safety
IV. SPECIALIZED PROBLEMS IN DEALING WITH VEHICLE FIRES
A. Modern day vehicles are composed of a large amount of plastic
components
1. Creates a large amount of fire
2. Produces thick black smoke & toxic gases, which can cause firefighter
fatalities & disabilities
B. Safety 5 mph bumpers
1. Shock absorber type activation
2. Can cause injuries to firefighters’ knees & lower extremities
C. Hatch-Back
1. Shock absorber hazard
Vehicle Fire, Rescue, & Scene Safety
V. VEHICLE RESCUE
– An emergency rescue is a procedure for removing a victim from a
dangerous location to a place of safety
A. Stabilization
– Must take priority over all other rescue operations in order to minimize
further injury to victims and or movement of the vehicle
B. Size-up
– Number & type of vehicles involved
– Number of victims injured & extent of injuries
– Scene hazards (fire, explosion, traffic, etc.)
– Your resources (fire extinguisher, first aid equipment, etc.)
C. Rescuer Safety
– C.Y.A.
– Rescuers are no good to anyone if hurt
Vehicle Fire, Rescue, & Scene Safety
V. VEHICLE RESCUE CONTINUED
D. Be alert for hazards
– Fire, danger of fire, or explosion
– Electrical
– Traffic conditions
– Unstable vehicle
– Structure collapse
– Hazardous materials
E. Gaining access to victims
– Inform victims of game plan
– Protect victims from flying glass or objects
F. Once access is made
– Conduct a primary survey (ABCs), C-spine, ,and severe bleeding
– Locate all victims
– Ask questions & administer first aid
Vehicle Fire, Rescue, & Scene Safety
V. VEHICLE RESCUE CONTINUED
G. Removal of victims
– Have necessary equipment ready (long board, scoop-stretcher, etc.)
– Sometimes victims are better off staying put
H. Indication for immediate removal
– Fire, danger of fire or explosion
– Toxic atmosphere
– Traffic conditions
– Risk of drowning
– Exposure to cold or heat
– Structure collapse
– Electrical hazards
Vehicle Fire, Rescue, & Scene Safety
V. VEHICLE RESCUE CONTINUED
I. When removing victims
– Avoid subjecting victims to unnecessary movement
– Ensure an open airway
– Control bleeding
– C-spine precautions
– Immobilize fractures
– Arrange for transportation
– Rehearse lifting procedure
Vehicle Fire, Rescue, & Scene Safety
VI. TRAFFIC CONSIDERATIONS
A. Vehicle placement
– On the shoulder of the road
– Use as a protective barrier
B. Accident zone
– 50 foot radius around the accident
C. Flare placement
– Formula: (mph X F) + (Accident Zone (AZ))
• Where F = first digit of mph and AZ = 50 feet minimum
• Example: 50mph X 5 = 250 + 50 = 300
– Distance between flares
• 10 feet (night or heavy fog)
• 20 feet (around turns or over hill crests)
• 30 feet (clear or long range visibility)
Public Education
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS
FOR VEHICLE FIRES
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
I. OVERVIEW
A. Vehicle fires are the most common fire response
1. Vehicle fires account for over 20% of all reported fire calls
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
I. OVERVIEW CONTINUED
B. Inherent hazards
1. Smoke and flame
a. Heat and visibility problems
b. Exposures
2. Toxic gases
a. Increased use of plastics
• Produce hydrogen cyanide
b. Batteries contain hydrochloric acid
3. Flammable liquid fires/spills
a. Fire destroys fuel lines especially in engine compartment
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
I. OVERVIEW CONTINUED
B. Inherent hazards Continued
4. Explosion hazards
a. Gas tanks
b. Liquefied propane gas (LPG)
c. Compressed natural gas (CNG)
d. Batteries
e. Gas/hydraulic filled components
5. Undeployed air bags
a. Driver
b. Passenger
c. Side impact
d. Curtains
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
I. OVERVIEW CONTINUED
B. Inherent hazards Continued
6. Alternative fuels
a. LPG
b. CNG
c. Methanol
d. Electric (high voltage up 360 volts)
e. Hybrid gas/electric vehicles
f. Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE)
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
I. OVERVIEW CONTINUED
B. Inherent hazards Continued
7. Exotic metal fires
a. Magnesium
b. Magnesium alloys
c. Lithium
• Used to reduce vehicle weight
8. Unknown contents
a. Trunk contents
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
II. FIRE FIGHTING TACTICS
A. Apparatus position
1. Uphill, upwind
2. In front of vehicle
a. Fuel tanks are usually located to the rear of most vehicles
3. Position apparatus to provide protection of fire fighters from oncoming
traffic
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
II. FIRE FIGHTING TACTICS CONTINUED
B. Rescue
1. Is everyone out of the car/area?
a. Consider rapid removal of victims using portable fire extinguisher for quick knock
down
2. Establish safety zone around vehicle
C. Exposures
a. Knockdown fire around or under vehicle
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
II. FIRE FIGHTING TACTICS CONTINUED
D. Confinement
1. Full personal protective equipment
2. Minimum 1½", 100 gpm hoseline
a. Connect to Class B foam outlet, if applicable
• Flammable liquids are Class B fires
b. Charge
c. Bleed air from line
d. Adjust pattern
• Start with a medium fog
– Protect personnel
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
II. FIRE FIGHTING TACTICS CONTINUED
D. Confinement Continued
3. Look for signs of alternative fuel vehicles
a. Labels
b. Insignias
c. High voltage warnings
d. Compressed gas warnings
e. Fires involving electric vehicles at charging stations should be treated as a Class
C fire
• Disconnect from power source
– Charging unit
– Subpanel
– Main
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
II. FIRE FIGHTING TACTICS CONTINUED
D. Confinement Continued
4. Approach at 30-45 angle from the corners
a. Exploding shock-absorbing bumpers, struts, hatchback pistons, etc. tend to
travel in line with the vehicle
b. Use low crouch
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
II. FIRE FIGHTING TACTICS CONTINUED
D. Confinement
5. Engine compartment fires may need indirect method before opening hood
a. Through grill or under wheel wells
b. Through hole made in hood
c. Small engine compartment fires may be knocked down with a dry chemical
portable fire extinguisher
d. Magnesium engine fires may be extinguished using copious amounts of water
• Usually more than your apparatus can carry
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
II. FIRE FIGHTING TACTICS CONTINUED
D. Confinement
6. Fires involving electric vehicles may involve hazardous chemicals/exotic
metals
a. Sulfuric acid
b. Potassium hydroxide
c. Organic electrolytes
d. Lithium
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
II. FIRE FIGHTING TACTICS CONTINUED
E. Extinguish
1. Cool hazard areas
a. Fuel tank(s)
b. Shock absorbing bumpers
c. Other piston/cylinder assemblies and other sealed components
• Hatchbacks
• Hoods
d. Tires
e. Catalytic converter
f. Batteries
g. Driveline
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
II. FIRE FIGHTING TACTICS CONTINUED
F. Overhaul
1. Open hood
2. Disconnect 12 volt battery(s)
a. Negative terminal first
• Prevents sparking
b. Disconnect high voltage system in electric vehicles
• Ground fault monitoring
• Inertia switches, etc.
• Manual disconnects are vehicle specific
– Check with vehicle 's owner for location
– There may be multiple batteries
– On newer BMWs and other expensive cars, the batteries may disconnect on impact
• Never cut high voltage cables
– Orange cables are SAE standard for air bag or other safety devices
– Not all vehicles use this system
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
II. FIRE FIGHTING TACTICS CONTINUED
F. Overhaul Continued
3. Open doors
a. Ventilate and check for extension
• Under dash
• Concealed spaces
• Interior upholstery
4. Continue to cool hazard areas
5. Check for fuel leaks
6. Check trunk compartment
7. Do not allow vehicle to be towed until fire is fully out
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
SUMMARY
Vehicle fires are never routine. The advances in new safety
technology in vehicles make for safer vehicles on impact. After the
impact, these devices become extremely dangerous to us as
rescuers whether we are extricating victims or extinguishing a
vehicle fire.
Public Education
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
FOR VEHICLE FIRES
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
I. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR VEHICLE FIRES
A. Approaching a burning vehicle
1. From uphill
a. To keep burning fuels away from fire fighters
2. From upwind
a. To keep smoke and combustion gases blowing away from fire fighters
3. Full PPE must be worn for safety
4. Hoselines charged and ready
5. Back up line or dry chemical extinguisher
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
I. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR VEHICLE FIRES CONTINUED
B. Safety precautions for attacking and extinguishing vehicle fires
1. Open hood compartment and prop open
2. Make entry to involved part of vehicle
3. If forcible entry is necessary, be cautious of glass, sharp metal objects
4. Work as a team/crew in a minimum of pairs
5. Call additional help as needed
6. Provide adequate traffic and scene control measures
a. Use flares or appropriate safe warning devices
7. Provide portable lighting for proper safe visibility
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
I. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR VEHICLE FIRES CONTINUED
B. Safety precautions for attacking and extinguishing vehicle fires
Continued
8. Consider wide range of vehicle fire involvement and precautions
a. Passenger vehicle
b. Transport carrier vehicle
c. Hazardous materials
• Chemicals, fuels, gases
• Radioactive
• Explosives
• Corrosives
• Combustible/flammables
• Radiological agents
• Oxidizers
• Poisons, pesticides
• Cryogenics
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
I. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR VEHICLE FIRES CONTINUED
B. Safety precautions for attacking and extinguishing vehicle fires
Continued
9. Remove or cut battery cables
a. Consider electric door locks, windows, seats, etc., first
b. Sparks can create a large amount of fire
c. Negative first, then positive
10. Battery safety
1. Be aware of possible battery explosion, electrical arching, spillage of
hydrochloric acid from battery
2. Batteries can be found in different locations throughout different makes of
vehicles
11. Airbag safety
1. Airbag equipped vehicles contain a capacitor which takes 5-45 minutes to
discharge
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
I. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR VEHICLE FIRES CONTINUED
C. Specialized problems in dealing with modern day vehicle fires
1. Vehicles are composed of a large amount of plastic components
a. Creates large amount of fire
b. Extreme temperature variation
c. Production of vast amounts of toxic, thick black smoke and gases which can
cause fire fighter fatality and disability
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR
VEHICLE FIRES
I. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR VEHICLE FIRES CONTINUED
C. Specialized problems in dealing with modern day vehicle fires
2. Inherent dangers caused by construction materials and innovations
a. Catalytic converters, emission control systems, (ERG)
b. Polyethylene/fiberglass fuel tanks
• Fuel tanks
• Pressurized fuel tanks
• Venting fuel caps
• LPG fuel tanks
c. Safety 5 mph bumpers – shock absorber type activation
• Filled with fluid that expands and projects with force
• Cause injuries to fire fighter knees and lower extremities
• May be disabling
3. It is no longer permissible for fire fighters to "wash down" spilled fuels
a. Treat such spills as hazardous materials incidents
Safety Precautions When Using Water
to Extinguish a Fire
SUMMARY
Modern day vehicle designs and fuel transportation are not done
with fire fighter safety in mind. Fire fighters must also be aware that
the danger and hazards multiply under fire conditions. It is difficult,
but the fire fighter must keep abreast of these potential or probable
safety problems through knowledge and training.
Public Education
ACCESSING PASSENGER
VEHICLE COMPARTMENTS
DURING A FIRE
ACCESSING PASSENGER VEHICLE
COMPARTMENTS DURING A FIRE
I. SIZE-UP
A. Determine the size and location of the fire
1. Passenger compartment
2. Engine compartment
3. Undercarriage
4. The vehicle may have one or more, or all, compartments involved in fire
B. Determine if a rescue problem exists
C. Tactics for gaining access to the fire do not change with a rescue; but
your priorities will
ACCESSING PASSENGER VEHICLE
COMPARTMENTS DURING A FIRE
II. PROTECTING EXPOSURES
A. Exposures are a priority before confinement and extinguishment of the
fire
1. Attached trailers
2. Nearby structures
B. Put any fire in the brush out before attacking vehicle fire
ACCESSING PASSENGER VEHICLE
COMPARTMENTS DURING A FIRE
III. PROTECTING EXPOSURES
A. APPROACHING THE VEHICLE
1. Ensure you have a safe zone from traffic hazards
2. Approach the front or rear corner at a 30°-45° angle
3. Stay away from the front and rear bumpers
4. Hydraulic fluid-filled bumper systems undergo great stress when heated
5. Can cause the bumper to be propelled off the car
6. Can cause severe injury
ACCESSING PASSENGER VEHICLE
COMPARTMENTS DURING A FIRE
IV. ACCESSING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
A. Primary dangers
1. Materials used in construction
2. Air bags
B. Attempt to gain access though the door
1. First try to open it by using the handle
a. "Try before you pry"
2. Driver may have the key
C. If normal entry through a door is not possible
1. Break a window
a. Apply a punch or pointed object to the corner of the window
2. Unlock the door
D. Pull any victims out
ACCESSING PASSENGER VEHICLE
COMPARTMENTS DURING A FIRE
IV. ACCESSING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CONTINUED
E. Extinguish the fire
1. Minimum 1½" hoseline 100 gpm
2. Use a medium fog pattern in a circular motion
F. If the vehicle doors will not open due to damage, attempt to pull victim
out through the window
ACCESSING PASSENGER VEHICLE
COMPARTMENTS DURING A FIRE
V. ACCESSING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
A. Primary dangers
1. Very hot metal filled with flammable liquids
2. Fuel leaks
3. Batteries
B. Avoid standing in front of a bumper after it has been heated
C. If possible, gain access to the passenger compartment and release
the hood latch
D. If latch is inaccessible or does not work, pry the hood
1. Best pried above the front tire between the quarter panel and the hood
a. On most hoods, a crumple exists at this point to absorb a frontal impact
2. The hood can be "tented"
a. Giving you 3-6 inches of space
3. This can be repeated on the opposite side of the vehicle hood
E. Extinguish the fire
ACCESSING PASSENGER VEHICLE
COMPARTMENTS DURING A FIRE
VI. ACCESS TO TRUNK COMPARTMENT
A. Primary dangers
1. Storage of unknown substances
a. Flammable liquid or gas containers
b. Ammunition
c. Explosives
B. Check for occupants
1. People may be in the trunk area after an accident
C. Gain access
1. If possible, release the trunk latch in the passenger compartment
2. Driver may have the key
3. Unlatch the rear seats
ACCESSING PASSENGER VEHICLE
COMPARTMENTS DURING A FIRE
VI. ACCESS TO TRUNK COMPARTMENT CONTINUED
C. Gain access Continued
4. Last resort is to pry the trunk
a. Halligan tool
b. Flat-head axe
c. Screwdriver
d. Other prying tools
D. Forcible entry
1. Place the pick end of the Halligan tool up to the keyway of the trunk lock
2. Strike with the flat-head axe to remove lock assembly
3. Place the screwdriver into keyway and twist to open the trunk
E. Pull any victims out
F. Extinguish any fire
ACCESSING PASSENGER VEHICLE
COMPARTMENTS DURING A FIRE
VII. SALVAGE AND OVERHAUL
A. Preserve evidence
B. Secure vehicle
1. Set emergency brake or chock vehicle
2. Disconnect battery
Public Education
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS &
PROCEDURES
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS & PROCEDURES
I. UNCONTROLLED TRAFFIC CONSEQUENCES
A. Damaged hoseline
B. Damaged apparatus
C. Other accidents
D. Blocked access/egress
E. Interference with evolutions
F. Blowing debris and dirt, etc.
G. Injured or killed fire fighter
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS & PROCEDURES
II. TRAFFIC CONTROL PROCEDURES
A. Traffic laws
1. California Vehicle Code, Chapter 4, Division 2
2. California Vehicle Code, Chapter 3, Division 2
3. Local codes and ordinances
B. Law enforcement often handles traffic control
1. Fire fighters may assume traffic control responsibilities before law
enforcement arrives to ensure scene safety
C. Traffic may be slowed, diverted, or stopped
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS & PROCEDURES
II. TRAFFIC CONTROL PROCEDURES CONTINUED
D. Methods available
1. Barricades
2. Cones
3. Flares
4. Hand-held signs
5. Hand signals
6. Emergency vehicles
7. Traffic paddles
8. Flashlights
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS & PROCEDURES
II. TRAFFIC CONTROL PROCEDURES CONTINUED
E. Communication is a necessity
1. Maintain visual or radio contact with person managing opposing traffic
F. Incident zone
1. Includes all areas within a 50-foot radius of the actual incident
2. May increase in size due to power lines, spills
G. Farthest warning device
1. Should be, at a minimum, equal to the stopping distance for the road's
posted speed and condition
2. Increase distance for downhill traffic
3. Increase distance during inclement weather
4. Increase distance when crests obstruct view
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS & PROCEDURES
II. TRAFFIC CONTROL PROCEDURES CONTINUED
G. Farthest warning device Continued
5. If first warning device is too far from scene, drivers may disregard warning
or become confused
a. Driver's stopping distance may also be affected by
b. Speed
c. Vehicle size
6. Driver's stopping distance may also be affected by
a. Speed
b. Vehicle size
c. Grade and pavement condition
d. Reaction time
e. Blood alcohol level
f. Condition of brakes, etc.
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS & PROCEDURES
III. BARRICADES
A. Flare Placement
1. Formula: (mph X F) + (Accident Zone (AZ))
• Where F = first digit of mph and AZ = 50 feet minimum
• Example: 50mph X 5 = 250 + 50 = 300
B. Spacing
1. Distance between flares
a. 10 feet (night or heavy fog)
b. 20 feet (around turns or over hill crests)
c. 30 feet (clear or long range visibility)
C. Safety considerations
1. Always watch oncoming traffic
a. Drivers may be drunk, confused, or watching accident, etc.
2. Be prepared to take evasive action
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS & PROCEDURES
IV. CONES
A. Used for temporary control
B. Spacing should decrease near incident zone, over crests, and on
corners
C. Safety considerations
1. Always watch oncoming traffic
2. Be prepared to take evasive action
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS & PROCEDURES
V. FLARES
A. Used for temporary control
B. Spacing should decrease near incident zone, over crests, and on
corners
C. Burn time
1. Will be marked on flare
a. 15 minute
b. 30 minute
2. Flares may be joined to increase burn time
3. Check periodically to ensure that all flares are burning
D. Dangerous situations
1. Stabilize flares with rocks if placed on a hill or grade
2. Place away from vegetation along roadway
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS & PROCEDURES
VI. HAND-HELD SIGNS
A. Maintain visual or radio contact with people managing opposing traffic
B. Safety considerations
1. Wear helmet
2. Wear bright protective clothing and/or vest
3. Always watch oncoming traffic
4. Be prepared to take evasive action
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS & PROCEDURES
VII. HAND/ARM SIGNALS
A. Stopping traffic
1. Look at the driver and make eye contact
2. Raise your arm/hand shoulder
a. Maintain eye contact
3. Point your index finger at the driver
4. Raise the palm of your hand towards the driver
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS & PROCEDURES
VII. HAND/ARM SIGNALS CONTINUED
B. Starting traffic
1. Look at the driver and make eye contact
2. Stand with your side towards the traffic
3. Raise your arm/hand shoulder high
a. Maintain eye contact
4. Point your index finger at the driver
5. Move the palm of your hand toward the direction of travel
a. Maintain eye contact
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS & PROCEDURES
VII. HAND/ARM SIGNALS CONTINUED
C. Directing right-hand turns
1. Look at the driver and make eye contact
2. Raise your right arm/hand shoulder high
a. Maintain eye contact
3. Point your index finger at the driver
4. Swing your right arm in the direction the driver is suppose to travel
5. Continue this arm motion until the driver begins to turn
a. Maintain eye contact
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS & PROCEDURES
VII. HAND/ARM SIGNALS CONTINUED
D. Directing left-hand turns
1. Stop on-coming traffic in the lane that the driver has to cross
2. While maintaining the stop signal, look at the driver that needs to turn and
make eye contact
3. Raise your left arm/hand shoulder high
a. Maintain eye contact
4. Point your index finger at the driver
5. Swing your left arm in the direction the driver is suppose to travel
6. Continue this arm motion until the driver begins to turn
a. Maintain eye contact
TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS & PROCEDURES
VII. HAND/ARM SIGNALS CONTINUED
E. Safety considerations
1. Wear helmet
2. Wear bright protective clothing and/or vest
3. Be prepared to take evasive action
Safety Precautions When Using Water
to Extinguish a Fire
SUMMARY
You should have the knowledge required to control traffic at the
scene of an emergency. These skills are essential in keeping the
scene safe for victims and fellow fire fighters.