National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers There's more than meets the eye

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers With millions of visitors traveling to National Park Service sites across the country, it should not be surprising that vehicle fires have become rather commonplace. On average, there are between 200,000 and 348,000 vehicle fires each year in the United States. That represents approximately one vehicle fire every 90 seconds.

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers Although extremely common, vehicle fires present a clear and present danger that cannot be ignored. Only properly trained and equipped firefighters should respond and extinguish these types of fires.

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers Today's vehicle fires have many inherent hazards that can be easily overlooked by the untrained eye: Most vehicles contain a wide range of synthetic materials that release toxic gases and substances that can easily be inhaled or absorbed through the skin by direct contact. Airbags, electrical hazards, and cooling systems all present dangers.

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers Vehicles are equipped with shock absorbing bumpers, and pressurized struts that can explode without warning. This picture captures the vehicles pressurized bumper system exploding. Just like a bomb, responding personnel can be struck by flying debris.

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers This lesson was brought home all to recently when a Windsor Locks firefighter was struck by an exploding strut. While combating a working vehicle fire, a firefighter attempted to access the engine compartment to place a hose line, when suddenly, a hood strut exploded. The propelled strut pierced his protective clothing and became lodged in his leg. The firefighter was rushed to a local trauma center, where he is expected to make a full recovery.

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers In addition to those items already mentioned, new materials are also presenting new dangers. Last December, Delray Beach firefighters responded to a routine vehicle fire involving a Jeep Cherokee. As the firefighters attempted to extinguish the burning vehicle, a cameraman caught a surprising reaction to the firefighters application of water. This should serve as a real reminder why only properly trained and equipped firefighters should fight vehicle fires.

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers A magnesium component in the vehicle reacted violently with the water, showering the firefighter with burning material. Due to wearing all of his personal protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, the firefighter was not injured. The firefighter’s coat, hood, and other components were damaged by the fire.

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers The same could not be said for three Prince George County firefighters who responded to a working vehicle fire involving a 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. As the three firefighters approached the burning vehicle, one of its tires suddenly exploded. In true Hollywood fashion, just as the tire exploded, there was a sudden pressure discharge of gasoline from the cars gas tank. The firefighters found themselves enveloped in a ball of fire. Although they were wearing their personal protective clothing, they were not wearing self-contained breathing apparatus or face masks. All three firefighters were transported by helicopter to the Washington Burn Center for treatment.

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers As dangerous as the vehicle itself is, there is little or no way for responding personnel to always know what the vehicle may be transporting. Last year, the Denton Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire only to discover that it was also a hazardous materials event. The van to the right caught fire when the load it was transporting shifted. Batteries ignited a range of materials which included black powder. Various containers exploded and were propelled from the burning vehicle.

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers As a result of these dangers, the National Park Service has taken steps to help protect its employees. In Directors Order 58 and its associated reference manual, it states the following: 1.Vehicle fires are to be treated with the same care as structure fires. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park firefighters practice their skills during a required training class.

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers 2. NPS firefighters must be in the same full personal protective clothing, including self contained breathing apparatus, as they would in a structural fire situation. 3.To protect the health and safety of NPS personnel, no employee shall be directed or dispatched, (including self dispatch) to the suppression of a vehicle fire unless they meet or exceed NPS standards, which include approved PPE and training. Badlands National Park employees responding to a vehicle fire.

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers Vehicle fires have changed tremendously in the last decade. Employees participating in structural fire suppression efforts, including vehicle fires, must be properly trained and equipped for their protection and response to possible life saving events. For addition information or guidance, contact your Regional Structural Fire Management Officer or the National Structural Fire Training and Education Officer in Boise.

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers When faced with a vehicle fire, remember the following – Ensure that you are properly trained and equipped with NFPA approved personal protective equipment, including properly fitted self-contained breathing apparatus. Suppression efforts must include a 1- ½ inch line or larger. Have an adequate water supply available. A vehicle fire may take more water than you realize. Employees at Big Bend National Park practicing vehicle firefighting tactics during training

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers Consider the use of an appropriate foam system. This may enhance your efforts and conserve your water. Never approach a burning vehicle directly from the front or rear. And remember, the next life that you save, may very well be your own.

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers To learn more about your agencies regulations and policies regarding vehicle fires, consult one of these sources: Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations Guide (Red Book). See chapter 10, sections Your agency policy manuals including, NPS Directors Order and Reference Manual #58,

National Park Service US Department of the Interior Division of Fire & Aviation Division of Fire & Aviation – Structural Fire Vehicle Fires – The Hidden Dangers This short reminder is brought to you by the National Park Service Structural Fire Management Training Office. All of the photographs have been supplied by Firehouse Magazine, the NPS structural firefighting training team, or from various sources supporting national training efforts.