OPERATIONS BULLETIN BOOK fire fighting Flashcards
Firefighting Operations Bulletin No. 1 JUNE 2007 (Revised)
VEHICLE FIRES
PART 1. FIREFIGHTING
Overview:
Firefighting Operations Bulletin No. 1 JUNE 2007 (Revised)
VEHICLE FIRES
PART 1. FIREFIGHTING
Overview:
. The major components are the fuel injector and lines, the catalytic converter and the fuel evaporation system (which includes the fuel tank).
. The major components are the fuel injector and lines, the catalytic converter and the fuel evaporation system (which includes the fuel tank).
- Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter was designed to reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions before they reach the atmosphere. Tremendous heat is generated in the converter as the catalytic reaction takes place; normal internal temperatures of the catalytic converter can rise to somewhere between 1300 and 1600 degrees F while normal outside surface generally reaches the neighborhood of about 1000 degrees F.
- Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter was designed to reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions before they reach the atmosphere. Tremendous heat is generated in the converter as the catalytic reaction takes place; normal internal temperatures of the catalytic converter can rise to somewhere between 1300 and 1600 degrees F while normal outside surface generally reaches the neighborhood of about 1000 degrees F.
This sealed fuel system concept is the primary design used in vehicles presently being manufactured. The intent of this system is to prevent fuel vapors from leaking from this sealed network. The fuel tank cap is designed to prevent passage of gasoline vapors directly into the atmosphere. It incorporates a vacuum relief set-to operate at approximately 3/8 pounds per square inch and a pressure relief valve set to open at approximately one pound per square inch.
This sealed fuel system concept is the primary design used in vehicles presently being manufactured. The intent of this system is to prevent fuel vapors from leaking from this sealed network. The fuel tank cap is designed to prevent passage of gasoline vapors directly into the atmosphere. It incorporates a vacuum relief set-to operate at approximately 3/8 pounds per square inch and a pressure relief valve set to open at approximately one pound per square inch.
Apparatus should be positioned in front of the vehicle that is involved in fire by at least fifty feet, and if possible, by one hundred feet. If apparatus must be positioned to the rear of the involved vehicle, a distance of at least one hundred feet must be maintained.
Apparatus should be positioned in front of the vehicle that is involved in fire by at least fifty feet, and if possible, by one hundred feet. If apparatus must be positioned to the rear of the involved vehicle, a distance of at least one hundred feet must be maintained.
vehicle, a distance of at least one hundred feet must be maintained.
If encountering a vehicle model where the fuel tank is known to be other than the rear of the vehicle, adjust your tactics accordingly. Consider positioning the apparatus and the direction of attack from the end opposite the fuel tank, and if possible approach the vehicle from a 45 degree angle.
vehicle, a distance of at least one hundred feet must be maintained.
If encountering a vehicle model where the fuel tank is known to be other than the rear of the vehicle, adjust your tactics accordingly. Consider positioning the apparatus and the direction of attack from the end opposite the fuel tank, and if possible approach the vehicle from a 45 degree angle.
If members must approach an extensively involved vehicle from the rear and tank rupture does occur, a fire ball will likely erupt from underneath the back bumper and out the sides of the rear wells and the rear fenders. To protect the firefighters on the first one and one-half inch line in this situation, the second one and one-half Inch line should be deployed to the tank area utilizing a wider fog pattern to offer limited additional protection and allow members the opportunity to back out of immediate danger.
If members must approach an extensively involved vehicle from the rear and tank rupture does occur, a fire ball will likely erupt from underneath the back bumper and out the sides of the rear wells and the rear fenders. To protect the firefighters on the first one and one-half inch line in this situation, the second one and one-half Inch line should be deployed to the tank area utilizing a wider fog pattern to offer limited additional protection and allow members the opportunity to back out of immediate danger.
- In cases of a leaking fuel tank, request the Haz Mat unit.
- In cases of a leaking fuel tank, request the Haz Mat unit.
Definitions of each of the major electrical systems are as follows:
Charger Mechanism The device used to charge the battery. The style of charging varies with each manufacturer, car, and the amount of voltage used.
Definitions of each of the major electrical systems are as follows:
Charger Mechanism The device used to charge the battery. The style of charging varies with each manufacturer, car, and the amount of voltage used.
Motor
During a vehicle fire involving an EV, electrical shock should not occur because the high-voltage of an EV does not use the earth as s ground. A firefighter standing on the ground does not complete a circuit when a stream of water hits an EV. However, there is still a possibility that by touching certain electrical components an electrical shock could occur.
Motor
During a vehicle fire involving an EV, electrical shock should not occur because the high-voltage of an EV does not use the earth as s ground. A firefighter standing on the ground does not complete a circuit when a stream of water hits an EV. However, there is still a possibility that by touching certain electrical components an electrical shock could occur.
. A firefighter may encounter the following types of EV fluids at an emergency incident: Potassium Hydroxide (KOH), Marlotherm, and Sulfuric Acid.
. A firefighter may encounter the following types of EV fluids at an emergency incident: Potassium Hydroxide (KOH), Marlotherm, and Sulfuric Acid.
A telltale sign of an Electric Vehicle is the international orange color associated with the wiring system that provides the electric power. This wiring is usually bundled and runs along the lower frame or beneath the seats along the floor boards of an Electric Vehicle.
A telltale sign of an Electric Vehicle is the international orange color associated with the wiring system that provides the electric power. This wiring is usually bundled and runs along the lower frame or beneath the seats along the floor boards of an Electric Vehicle.
As with any electrical system the capacitors hold stored energy, this energy must be “dumped” for the system to be considered completely de-energized. Because of this there is a delay of between 5 and 10 minutes between the time the power is cut and the system is de-energized. For this reason it is imperative that the power to an electric or hybrid vehicle be cut immediately upon arrival of an accident or vehicle fire.
As with any electrical system the capacitors hold stored energy, this energy must be “dumped” for the system to be considered completely de-energized. Because of this there is a delay of between 5 and 10 minutes between the time the power is cut and the system is de-energized. For this reason it is imperative that the power to an electric or hybrid vehicle be cut immediately upon arrival of an accident or vehicle fire.
Always check the cut off switch and disconnect all batteries before attempting rescue operations.
Before starting any cutting operations, firefighters must peel back any insulation or covering, or make a spy cut first.
The battery pack and connected cables remain HOT for several minutes after the power is disconnected.
Always check the cut off switch and disconnect all batteries before attempting rescue operations.
Before starting any cutting operations, firefighters must peel back any insulation or covering, or make a spy cut first.
The battery pack and connected cables remain HOT for several minutes after the power is disconnected.
Large EV fires can be safely controlled with water; if the fire involves the batteries and is minor in nature consider utilizing a “type D” dry chemical extinguisher.
Large EV fires can be safely controlled with water; if the fire involves the batteries and is minor in nature consider utilizing a “type D” dry chemical extinguisher.
Use a water fog to dilute toxic smoke from a burning sodium and sulfur battery
Use a water fog to dilute toxic smoke from a burning sodium and sulfur battery
There is also a growing frend to provide alternative fuel vehicles in order to lower emissions, meeting Government mandates. Investigating vehicle fires has become complex due to:
Light weight material, introducing more plastics into the vehicle — currently there is over 9001bs of combustible material in vehicles.
Combustible and Flammable liquids and solids are present including CNG, propane, hydrogen, gasoline, oils, magnesium, etc.
There is also a growing frend to provide alternative fuel vehicles in order to lower emissions, meeting Government mandates. Investigating vehicle fires has become complex due to:
Light weight material, introducing more plastics into the vehicle — currently there is over 9001bs of combustible material in vehicles.
Combustible and Flammable liquids and solids are present including CNG, propane, hydrogen, gasoline, oils, magnesium, etc.
Note:
Company Officers should always check the trunk area of all vehicle fires to ensure that this area does not contain victims of a crime.
Note:
Company Officers should always check the trunk area of all vehicle fires to ensure that this area does not contain victims of a crime.
When developing a criminal case that involves automobiles, the first 48 hours is the most critical.
When developing a criminal case that involves automobiles, the first 48 hours is the most critical.
FIREFIGHTING TACTICS FOR E85 FUEL
This Bulletin is to alert first responders to the requirements for handling E85 fuel, an alternative fuel composed of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
FIREFIGHTING TACTICS FOR E85 FUEL
This Bulletin is to alert first responders to the requirements for handling E85 fuel, an alternative fuel composed of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
According to the ERG2004, public safety should:
• Call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper first.
• As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind.
• Keep out of low areas.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering.
• Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
According to the ERG2004, public safety should:
• Call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper first.
• As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind.
• Keep out of low areas.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering.
• Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• For small fires, use dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.
• For large fires:
o Use water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. o Use water spray or fog; do not use straight streams.
• For small fires, use dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.
• For large fires:
o Use water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. o Use water spray or fog; do not use straight streams.
For evacuation, public safety should:
• For a large spill, consider downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1,000 feet). • If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also consider the evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
For evacuation, public safety should:
• For a large spill, consider downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1,000 feet). • If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also consider the evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
For first aid, public safety should:
• Move victim to fresh air.
• Give artificial respiration if victim not breathing.
• Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
• Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. • In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes; wash skin with soap and water. • In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water.
For first aid, public safety should:
• Move victim to fresh air.
• Give artificial respiration if victim not breathing.
• Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
• Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. • In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes; wash skin with soap and water. • In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water.
Tanks
- The buses in the Metro fleet contain 7 CNG tanks that operate at 3600 PSI. The range of the pressure can vary depending the ambient temperature, from 3400 PSI (cold) to 4000 PSI (warm).
- Tanks are located on the roof. Knowing that CNG is lighter than air and will dissipate easily when released influenced Metro’s decision to purchase this style of bus over the other choice which was an under the floor mounted system.
- Each tank is 120” long and 15.9” in diameter and weighs 269lbs.
Tanks
- The buses in the Metro fleet contain 7 CNG tanks that operate at 3600 PSI. The range of the pressure can vary depending the ambient temperature, from 3400 PSI (cold) to 4000 PSI (warm).
- Tanks are located on the roof. Knowing that CNG is lighter than air and will dissipate easily when released influenced Metro’s decision to purchase this style of bus over the other choice which was an under the floor mounted system.
- Each tank is 120” long and 15.9” in diameter and weighs 269lbs.
- There are 8 PRD’s (pressure relief devices) located in the roof area.
- The device will activate at 5400 PSI or when the tank is heated to 220 degrees (f).
- There are 8 PRD’s (pressure relief devices) located in the roof area.
- The device will activate at 5400 PSI or when the tank is heated to 220 degrees (f).
Section 3. Fires & Extinguisher System
- The most practical method of extinguishing a CNG fire is to shut off the gas at its source. Even if the fire has been extinguished, until this is done there is a possibility of re-ignition.
- CNG burns with an orange flame.
- Normally, a high-pressure leak will not ignite because it is too rich to burn.
- Temperature sensors are also located on the bus and release an extinguishing agent when reaching a temperature of 280 degrees (f).
Section 3. Fires & Extinguisher System
- The most practical method of extinguishing a CNG fire is to shut off the gas at its source. Even if the fire has been extinguished, until this is done there is a possibility of re-ignition.
- CNG burns with an orange flame.
- Normally, a high-pressure leak will not ignite because it is too rich to burn.
- Temperature sensors are also located on the bus and release an extinguishing agent when reaching a temperature of 280 degrees (f).
Section 4. CNG Fuel
• The 7 tanks are filled with a compressed natural gas that is mostly made up of Methane. Mercaptan is added to give it a distinct odor.
Section 4. CNG Fuel
• The 7 tanks are filled with a compressed natural gas that is mostly made up of Methane. Mercaptan is added to give it a distinct odor.
- CNG has a flash point of 560 degrees (f). For minor leaks remove ignition sources 100 feet and 300 feet for major leaks.
- CNG is non-toxic, however in large volumes and in confined spaces the oxygen will be displaced and cause asphyxiation.
- Low-pressure leaks will first be noticed by their odor. High pressure leaks will be noticed the sound.
- CNG has a flash point of 560 degrees (f). For minor leaks remove ignition sources 100 feet and 300 feet for major leaks.
- CNG is non-toxic, however in large volumes and in confined spaces the oxygen will be displaced and cause asphyxiation.
- Low-pressure leaks will first be noticed by their odor. High pressure leaks will be noticed the sound.
PROPANE GAS HAZARDS
The following basic information is provided to advise personnel of propane gas hazards.
PROPANE GAS HAZARDS
The following basic information is provided to advise personnel of propane gas hazards.
Propane gas is a heavier than air flammable gas with a vapor density of 1.6. which causes it to seek low spots as it moves across the ground. With an expansion rate of 270 to 1 propane gas spills and leaks produce a large vapor cloud that should be contained quickly.
Propane gas is a heavier than air flammable gas with a vapor density of 1.6. which causes it to seek low spots as it moves across the ground. With an expansion rate of 270 to 1 propane gas spills and leaks produce a large vapor cloud that should be contained quickly.
HELICOPTERS – SPECIAL HAZARDS
. All onlookers should be kept a minimum of 1500 feet from the crash scene. Most aircraft carry only enough fuel for their particular mission plus a slight reserve. Members should expect a potential 100 gallons of fuel on board the aircraft at any crash scene.
HELICOPTERS – SPECIAL HAZARDS
. All onlookers should be kept a minimum of 1500 feet from the crash scene. Most aircraft carry only enough fuel for their particular mission plus a slight reserve. Members should expect a potential 100 gallons of fuel on board the aircraft at any crash scene.
As a rule of thumb, the safest area of a crash is inside the helicopter.
As a rule of thumb, the safest area of a crash is inside the helicopter.
If the landing area will involve a street or thoroughfare it is important to stop all traffic in both directions 150 feet from the landing site. The lead cars in each direction should turn off vehicle lights. If the landing zone is in a field or park, a minimum diameter of 100 feet is preferred.
If the landing area will involve a street or thoroughfare it is important to stop all traffic in both directions 150 feet from the landing site. The lead cars in each direction should turn off vehicle lights. If the landing zone is in a field or park, a minimum diameter of 100 feet is preferred.
Always establish radio contact utilizing the proper tact channel or an alternative 800 frequency through (OUC). This procedure can be accomplished while operating with most agencies.
Always establish radio contact utilizing the proper tact channel or an alternative 800 frequency through (OUC). This procedure can be accomplished while operating with most agencies.
Firefighting Operations Bulletin No. 7 March 2021
THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS
, the TIC operates based on an object’s temperature- the cooler the object’s surface, the darker the image on the TIC screen; the warmer the surface area, the whiter the image on the TIC screen. On most TIC’s, an object’s color will be displayed to reflect the temperature range as temperatures increase. On the TIC, cooler temperatures are BLUE, warmer are WHITE
Firefighting Operations Bulletin No. 7 March 2021
THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS
, the TIC operates based on an object’s temperature- the cooler the object’s surface, the darker the image on the TIC screen; the warmer the surface area, the whiter the image on the TIC screen. On most TIC’s, an object’s color will be displayed to reflect the temperature range as temperatures increase. On the TIC, cooler temperatures are BLUE, warmer are WHITE
and, as temperatures increase, images are shown in YELLOW and RED.
In order to produce images that better distinguish between objects in the overall temperature range, the TIC will automatically operate between what’s called LOW and HIGH sensitivity modes. The HIGH sensitivity mode operates up to approximately 300°F. When temperatures rise above 300°F, the TIC will automatically switch to the LOW sensitivity mode, allowing a better image to be produced.
and, as temperatures increase, images are shown in YELLOW and RED.
In order to produce images that better distinguish between objects in the overall temperature range, the TIC will automatically operate between what’s called LOW and HIGH sensitivity modes. The HIGH sensitivity mode operates up to approximately 300°F. When temperatures rise above 300°F, the TIC will automatically switch to the LOW sensitivity mode, allowing a better image to be produced.
. This change from high to low sensitivity is necessary because the screen would “white out” if the unit was to remain in HIGH sensitivity mode while temperatures were above 300°F.
. This change from high to low sensitivity is necessary because the screen would “white out” if the unit was to remain in HIGH sensitivity mode while temperatures were above 300°F.
When the TIC changes to the Low sensitivity mode, you may not see Red until the Temperatures reach 900°F.
When the TIC changes to the Low sensitivity mode, you may not see Red until the Temperatures reach 900°F.
The TIC’s image may freeze on screen at times. This function of the TIC is known as “shuttering” and it is the TIC refreshing the focal plane in order to operate properly. This function is normal. Some TIC’s will do this more often than others, especially in the LOW sensitivity mode.
The TIC’s image may freeze on screen at times. This function of the TIC is known as “shuttering” and it is the TIC refreshing the focal plane in order to operate properly. This function is normal. Some TIC’s will do this more often than others, especially in the LOW sensitivity mode.
With the general understanding that flashover is forthcoming at or around 1100° F, an interesting conclusion was found.
With the general understanding that flashover is forthcoming at or around 1100° F, an interesting conclusion was found.
With all three cameras, the temperature range of 400° F to 450° F was displayed before a rapid increase of temperature and subsequant flashover.
With all three cameras, the temperature range of 400° F to 450° F was displayed before a rapid increase of temperature and subsequant flashover.
Disadvantages:
• Does not transmit through glass. The user’s image will be reflected.
• May reflect off smooth surfaces.
• Not able to view objects through dense material such as carpets, blankets, mattresses, etc.
• In extremely dense smoke, visibility may be obscured to the point where the TIC screen itself cannot be clearly seen, which will render the TIC ineffective.
• Will not define a hole in the floor, image may not show as a darkened area.
• Will not transmit through water.
• Image may be affected by two-way radios, in that the image may be distorted.
Disadvantages:
• Does not transmit through glass. The user’s image will be reflected.
• May reflect off smooth surfaces.
• Not able to view objects through dense material such as carpets, blankets, mattresses, etc.
• In extremely dense smoke, visibility may be obscured to the point where the TIC screen itself cannot be clearly seen, which will render the TIC ineffective.
• Will not define a hole in the floor, image may not show as a darkened area.
• Will not transmit through water.
• Image may be affected by two-way radios, in that the image may be distorted.
The TIC will be utilized on all structure fire incidents. TIC operators must use good basic fire ground techniques when operating the camera, such as: staying in contact with a wall, hose line or tag line; staying low and feeling for holes in the floor and other obstructions; etc. Imagers do not “see” heat through any object.
The TIC will be utilized on all structure fire incidents. TIC operators must use good basic fire ground techniques when operating the camera, such as: staying in contact with a wall, hose line or tag line; staying low and feeling for holes in the floor and other obstructions; etc. Imagers do not “see” heat through any object.
. TIC operators should first scan the ceiling area and end the room scan on the floor. The TIC operator should use caution when standing and walking in low visibility conditions. It should be noted that when utilizing the TIC for search and rescue operations in an area with increased temperatures, the surface temperature of the victim could be lower then the ambient temperature of the room and thus the victim would appear darker in the image then the rest of the room.
. TIC operators should first scan the ceiling area and end the room scan on the floor. The TIC operator should use caution when standing and walking in low visibility conditions. It should be noted that when utilizing the TIC for search and rescue operations in an area with increased temperatures, the surface temperature of the victim could be lower then the ambient temperature of the room and thus the victim would appear darker in the image then the rest of the room.
All rescue squad A and B team members shall carry their assigned TIC on all structure fire assignments. All basic principles of search still must be adhered to (i.e., teams, “pattern”, etc.). Members must always keep in mind that the camera can’t see through objects and members must physically search under beds, in closets, behind doors, etc. Caution must be exercised when operating without a hose line.
All rescue squad A and B team members shall carry their assigned TIC on all structure fire assignments. All basic principles of search still must be adhered to (i.e., teams, “pattern”, etc.). Members must always keep in mind that the camera can’t see through objects and members must physically search under beds, in closets, behind doors, etc. Caution must be exercised when operating without a hose line.