Fires involving explsions

Question 1

Initial Action

Answer 1

1. Be aware of secondary device and don’t handle anything unfamiliar.
2. Do not use cell phone, radio or other transmitting device
3. Evacuate the scene to at least 100m ensuring people take their personal items with them.
4. If an IED is located immediatly obtain assistance of an IED operator from the department of labour. If not available cosider utilising defence force expert.
5. Give regular SITREPS to COMMS

Question 2

Examining the scene of a fire involving explosives

Answer 2

1. Once scene has been declared safe conduct a scene examination.
2. Continually reconstruct
3. Request the attendance of a suitably experienced ESR analyst. Ask them to bring suitable material for swabbing scene and suspect samples.

Question 3

Identifying the explosive

Answer 3

1. Give priority to identifying the explosive used
2. A low powered explosive will explode in a general manner causing damage and spreading debris over roughly the same distance in all directions
3. Explosives that explode at a rate of 1200 - 5000mps are characterised by damage that occurs in a least line of resistance pattern.
4. Explosives that explode at 5000mps+ do so in a directional manner.
5. Modern explosive residues often dissipate rapidly and the OC scene may need to authorise the expert to enter the center of the scene before it has been fully examined.
   In this case create a path using unused plastic or stepping plates and have the expert swab the area immediately using carefully cleaned instruments.
6. Remove body parts if necessary to prevent contamination using the same plastic or stepping plate method.
7. Record your impressions of any odours you detect.