FF OPS BULL Vehicle Fires Flashcards
Most accidental vehicle fires are caused by…
either electrical or fuel system malfucntions.
How may an electrical system malfunction be solved in an emergency?
by either turning off the ignition source or d/c all applicable batteries.
What are the major components of the fuel system of a vehicle?
fuel injector and lines, catalytic converter, and fuel evaporation system (which includes the fuel tank).
What is the catalytic converter designed to do?
reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions before they reach the atmosphere?
What vehicle component is designed to reduce hydrocarbon emissions?
the catalytic converter
What vehicle component is designed to reduce CO emissions?
the catalytic converter
What is the normal internal temperature range for a catalytic converter?
1300 to 1600F
What is the normal external temperature range for a catalytic converter?
about 1000F
When may higher than normal catalytic converter temperatures be reached?
when the engine is in poor operating condition (especially if fuel/air mixture is too rich), under severe load, or has several misfiring cylinders.
A rich fuel/air mixture can cause a catalytic converter to exceed _______ F.
1600
What is the fuel evaporation control system designed to do?
prevent the loss of fuel vapors from the carburetor and fuel tank due to evaporation, and prevent fuel expansion overflow.
What does the evaporation control system consist of?
a closed fuel tank, a holding canister, and a series of lines and line connectors
What is the fuel tank cap vacuum relief set to?
approximately 3/8th of a psi.
What is the fuel tank cap pressure relief set to?
1psi
What should be considered appropriate from both a tactical and a safety standpoint?
the act of cooling the tank with a second hose
Why will F/Fs initially respond wearing full PPE including SCBA?
due the evolving technology and materials involved in vehicle fires.
How far from a vehicle must apparatus be positioned?
50’+ to the front (100’ is preferred) or 100’+ to the rear. Adjust accordingly if the vehicle is known to have a fuel tank in front.
What is the purpose of approaching a vehicle fire from a 45 degree angle?
to reduce the chance of apparatus or personnel being caught by an unintentional fuel tank rupture.
What will be used to provide maximum protection to personnel and effectively extinguish an extensively involved vehicle?
Two (2) 1 1/2 inch lines.
What will the two lines used at an extensively involved vehicle fire do?
1st line: pax compartment; 2nd line, in a wider fog pattern, under car to fuel tank
When should consideration be given to immediately calling for a second engine company?
When distance from a water source is an issue, or if, u/a there is a large pax vehicle that is well involved.
What may removing the fuel cap do?
Allow superheated gasoline vapors to excape to an oxygen rich environment and ignite.
Some airbags are inflated with compressed gases pressurized between
1400 and 3000 psi
Where can airbag inflation cylinders be found?
in the firewall, B-post, and C-post.
What temperature causes the rupturing of a protective disk and venting argon?
480 degreees
What temperature causes the autoignition of the initiator component?
750 degrees
Some airbags are designed to auto-inflate at repeated and prolonged temperatures above _____?
250 degrees
In case of leaking fuel tank….
…request the Haz Mat unit.
Under what circumstances should the gas tank be punctured to increase the fuel flow?
Under NO circumstances
What are the major electrical systems of the EV?
the charging mechanism, the traction (propulsion) battery, the controller, and the electric traction (propulsion) motor
At an EV fire, a firefighter standing on the ground (does/does not) complete a circuit when a stream of water hits an EV?
Does not
When is a F/F at risk of electrical shock at an EV fire?
When touching certain components.
What kind of EV fluids might be encountered at an emergency incident?
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH), Marlotherm, and Sulfuric Acid
What is a telltale sign of an EV?
The International Orange associated with the wiring system that provides traction power. It usually bundled and runs along the lower frame or beneath the seats
How long does it take for an EV system to be completely dumped?
5 to 10 minutes
What is it imperative to do immediately upon arrival at an accident or vehicle fire?
The power to an electric or hybrid vehicle must be cut.
If an EV fire involves the batteries and is minor in nature, consider utilizing…
… a type D dry chemical extinguisher.
What should be used to dilute toxic smoke from a burning sodium and sulfur battery?
a water fog
What should be used for information for exposure to substances on board an EV?
The dot erg
Nationally, one out of every ____ fires involves automobiles?
Four
Nationally, how many car fire deaths?
500
Nationally, how many car fire injuries?
over 3,000
Since December 2006, what increase in incendiary vehicle fires?
100%
What percent of vehicles burned in DC used in serious crimes?
84%
What is arson?
maliciously burning or attempting to burn any …building….watercraft….or railroad car….the property of another person, or any church or public building.
What is an incendiary fire?
one that is intentionally ignited under circumstances in which the person knows that the fire should not be ignited
District law has made the act of intentionally burning an automobile a….
destruction of property classification
How many pounds of combustible material in vehicles
over 900
What circumstances might warrant the call for investigators?
location in the vehicle, time of fire, location of fire, suspicious circumstances, removal of ID items, damage to vehicle
What should company officers do at all vehicle fires?
check the trunk to ensure no bodies
When developing a criminal case that involves automobiles, the first ____ hours is the most critical.
48
