EOG 300 pg 48-50 Vehicle Fires

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Questions and Answers

What is a potential hazard of sealed cylinders or containers in vehicle fires?

They frequently melt and create hazardous runoff.

They may explode and cause significant fire damage.

They can over-pressurize and become projectiles. (correct)

They can leak fluids that are difficult to contain.

Why are the gases produced from vehicle fires considered more toxic than those from building fires?

Building fires typically burn at lower temperatures.

Modern vehicles contain more than 50% plastic. (correct)

Vehicles produce less smoke overall.

Vehicle fires are usually smaller in scale.

What should firefighters avoid doing with electric/hybrid vehicle cables during a fire?

Removing them from the vehicle.

Dousing them with water.

Cutting the large, orange-colored cables. (correct)

Isolating them from the fire.

How long can airbags remain charged after the vehicle's battery is disconnected?

30 seconds up to several minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a risk associated with gasoline tanks in vehicles during a fire?

Gasoline tanks can rupture due to heat over-pressurization. Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is NOT recommended when fighting vehicle fires?

Approach from downwind Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action to take when attempting to access a trunk of a vehicle on fire?

Attempt to find a set of keys for the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

In the event of an engine compartment fire, if the secondary hood latch is burned, what is a recommended action?

Shoot water through the grille Signup and view all the answers

What tool can be used to turn the latch mechanism of a trunk if the lock cylinder is knocked out?

A flat-headed screwdriver Signup and view all the answers

Which is a critical challenge when responding to a vehicle fire?

Gaining access to the seat of the fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the safest position to work from when engaging with a vehicle fire?

Behind the bumper and in front of the front tire Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters prioritize when accessing a hood during an engine fire?

Releasing the latch from inside the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

How should a firefighter approach a vehicle fire to ensure safety?

Always from a upwind position Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tasks is NOT part of the vehicle fire overhaul process?

Disconnect the vehicle's air conditioning system Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the critical items needed for documentation after a vehicle fire?

VIN Signup and view all the answers

Which step should always be performed during a vehicle fire overhaul?

Open and check the trunk Signup and view all the answers

When cooling components during a vehicle fire overhaul, which of the following should NOT be cooled?

Engine fluids Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters look for when stabilizing a vehicle after a fire?

The presence of flammable materials nearby Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vehicle Fires: Dangers and Precautions

Sealed cylinders and containers in vehicles can become projectiles when over-pressurized by heat, potentially causing serious injuries.
Modern vehicles are composed of over 50% plastic, producing more toxic smoke and gases compared to building fires.
Various fuel systems are present in vehicles today, including gasoline, diesel, propane, CNG, LNG, and hybrid batteries. Heat can cause gasoline tanks to rupture and may trigger BLEVE in pressurized gas cylinders.
Airbags remain charged for 30 seconds to several minutes post battery disconnection, posing injury risks to firefighters during deployment.

Vehicle Firefighting Safety Practices

Maintain safe distances: avoid standing directly in front of, behind, or near the vehicle tires.
Approach vehicle fires from upwind and utilize SCBA along with full PPE.

Fire Stream Selection

Officers must choose an appropriate size and type of fire stream based on the fire's scale.

Challenges in Vehicle Fires

Gaining access to the fire's seat is the primary challenge.
Trunk access strategies include looking for car keys, using tools like a Haligan or flat-headed axe to manipulate locks.
Accessing the hood may require releasing a secondary latch from inside the vehicle or knocking down fires through the grille.

Vehicle Fire Overhaul Procedures

Overhaul after a vehicle fire involves:
- Disconnecting the battery, if it remains intact.
- Cooling any exposed fuel tanks and sealed cylinders.
- Stabilizing or chocking the vehicle.
- Ensuring the trunk is opened and checked for any remaining fire.

Documentation Requirements

Complete incident reports must include:
- Owner information (name, address, phone).
- Vehicle details such as make, model, year, VIN, and tag number.

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Description

This quiz focuses on strategic and tactical considerations for dealing with vehicle fires as outlined in the Fire Department's operating guidelines. It highlights the dangers and necessary precautions when handling sealed cylinders and other components during fire incidents.