3.5 Vehicle Fire

Vehicle Fire Tactics

• NVT: Refers to new vehicle technology, which includes hybrid and electric vehicles with potential hazards to firefighters.
• Hazard Zone: Area near or around a vehicle fire requiring SCBA and full PPE.
• LIP: Prioritize Life Safety, Incident Stability, and Property Loss in vehicle fires.
• Safety Officer: Responsible for scene safety for fire personnel, law enforcement, and the public.
• ERG: Emergency Response Guide assisting responders with tactics for suppressing fires and mitigating hazardous materials.
• DOT Placard: Department of Transportation placard system identifying hazardous materials transported in bulk.

Initial Response

• Enclosed Structures: If a vehicle fire is reported inside an enclosed structure, upgrade the alarm response to a 1st alarm structure fire.
• Prioritize LIP Model:
  • Life Safety: If a life threat exists, prioritize rescue and apply water for patient protection.
  • Incident Stability: If no life threat exists, focus on stabilizing the scene, including addressing traffic, hazardous materials, overhead power lines, and NVT.
  • Property Loss: Minimize property damage, as vehicles are often beyond repair after a fire.
• Positioning: Position the fire engine in a shielding position to protect crews on busy roads or highways.
• Scene Size-up: Assess the scene for needed resources, including a water source, haz-mat (use the ERG), law enforcement, and additional engines.
• Patient Triage: Rapidly assess patient condition if possible.
• Protective Measures: Check for nearby obstructions, overhead wires, or other responders that might need additional protection.
• Initial Fire Attack: NFPA recommends a minimum flow rate of 125 GPM, easily provided by a 1-3/4" preconnected handline.
  • Cool the vehicle from a distance using fog if needed.
  • Position the hose at a 45-degree angle towards the front or rear of the vehicle.
  • Attack uphill for engine or rear compartment fires.
  • Be cautious of exploding bumpers and tires when opening the engine compartment.
  • Use tools to prevent the hood from closing on firefighters during overhaul.
• Engine Compartment Fires: Attack fire through a wheel well or grill area if the hood cannot be opened.
• Interior Compartment Fires: Work the fire from the side and open the vehicle if possible.
• Battery Disconnection: Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery first. Consider that batteries in newer cars might be located in various locations.
• Overhaul: Thoroughly overhaul the vehicle to extinguish all hotspots.
• Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Firefighting:
  • Use large amounts of water to cool a high voltage battery fire.
  • It can take up to 3,000-8,000 gallons of water applied directly to the battery to fully extinguish and cool a fire.
  • Allow up to an hour or more to cool the battery before release to secondary responders.
  • Lifting the vehicle may be necessary to apply water to the battery area.
  • Use a thermal imaging camera to monitor battery temperature during the cooling process.
  • Continue applying water until the battery reaches ambient temperature or below.
  • Allow time for heat transfer from the battery to the enclosure after stopping water application.
  • Utilize the NFPA 2018 Electric Vehicle Field Guide for de-energizing procedures, hazard points, and vehicle cut locations for extraction.