Fire in large stacks of reclaimed and refuse derived fuels - PN838

Question 1

Fire in large stacks of reclaimed and refuse derived fuels

What are the hazards associated with these incidents ?

Answer 1

• Hidden and rapid fire growth.
• Explosion risk.
• Extremely high radiated heat output.
• Toxic water run off and smoke.
• High stacked bales with possibility of sudden collapse.

Question 2

Fire in large stacks of reclaimed and refuse derived fuels

What should be your en route considerations to these types of incidents ?

Answer 2

• Check MDT for tactical plan
• Consider wind direction and strength.
• Access to site and RVP.
• Water supplies

Question 3

Fire in large stacks of reclaimed and refuse derived fuels

What ‘on arrival’ tactics should you be considering ?

Answer 3

• Contact on site personnel to gather specialist advice and establish whether any life risk involved.
• Appliance siting
• Implement any pre-planned incident plans.
• Implement a hazard zone restricting access to essential personnel only wearing full structural firefighting PPE and BA.
• Consider evacuation of immediate area or ensure surrounding premises maintain closed windows and doors as appropriate.
• Inform Environment Agency (EA) and Public Health England ( PHE).

Question 4

Fire in large stacks of reclaimed and refuse derived fuels

What information should oyou be gathering when carrying out a 7.2(d) on these types of premises?

Answer 4

• Processes carried out on site e.g. materials reprocessing or simply storage.
• The nature of the materials.
• The site operator’s on site/emergency plan.
• Firefighting facilities available e.g. location of hydrants/water sources, available plant and staff for separating materials etc.
• Identify extent of hazard zones and optimum locations for branches, ground monitors, aerials etc.
• Environmental controls – what containment is available? - is drainage system suitable to cope with water run-off from fire service operations. Consider joint agency involvement.
• Identify neighbouring sites of ecological/biodiversity value such as a special sites of scientific interest (SSSIs) and determine appropriate tactics and resources for effective environmental protection.

Question 5

Fire in large stacks of reclaimed and refuse derived fuels

What are the additional hazards associated with sites containing unprocessed refuse ?

Answer 5

• Access and egress difficulties.
• Pressurised aerosol containers and cylinders.
• Asbestos.
• Discarded household chemicals.
• Animals, insects, bacteria and viruses.
• Unstable ground/stacks.
• Moving plant and machinery.
• Working at height/items falling from height.
• Sharp objects.
• Life risk with rough sleepers

Question 6

Fire in large stacks of reclaimed and refuse derived fuels

When deciding firefighting tactics in the early stages, what considerations should the IC have ?

Answer 6

• That fire spread may be concealed, rapid and unpredictable, and that stacks may collapse without warning.
• The benefits of removing burning material from the main stack.
• Site plant must only be operated by competent on site staff under the direction of the IC.
• Material removed from the stack must be adequately extinguished and cooled before being moved to a safe area.

Question 7

Fire in large stacks of reclaimed and refuse derived fuels

What is the default level of PPE when being commited to a hazard zone ?

Answer 7

Full PPE including BA

Question 8

Fire in large stacks of reclaimed and refuse derived fuels

What are the IC’s considerations when they are of the opinion that early intervention will not be successful and the fire will become fully involved ?

Answer 8

• A hazard zone must be implemented.
• The IC should consider using ground monitors within this zone
• The need for additional resources to deliver the necessary weight of attack on the fire with specific regard to water supplies
• Personnel working in the hazard zone or in or near the smoke plume must have respiratory protection at all times due to the toxicity of the by products of combustion.
• Personnel must never attempt to access the fire by climbing and walking on bales or stacks
• Fire water run-off should be contained on site due to the highly toxic nature of the material especially when burnt.
• The IC must request an HMEPO and inform the Environment Agency and Public Health (England) of the incident via Brigade Control.
• Any aerial appliances deployed within the hazard zone should be protected by covering jets and a clear route maintained to ensure they can be withdrawn and re-positioned if the incident escalates.
• Environmental damage may occur due to heavy concentrations of toxic smoke and water run off, request a HMEPO & Inform the ‘Enviromental Agency’ & ‘Public Health’
• Hygiene: To prevent infection, personnel should undertake good hygiene practices such as not eating, drinking or smoking without first cleaning their hands.