3.5 Vehicle Fire

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Questions and Answers

What does NVT stand for in the context of vehicle fires?

New Vehicle Technology (correct)

National Vehicle Training

Non-Vehicle Technology

Network Vehicle Tracking

Which of the following is NOT a priority in the LIP model for handling vehicle fires?

Environmental Protection (correct)

Life Safety

Incident Stability

Property Loss

What is the role of a Safety Officer at a vehicle fire scene?

To ensure scene safety for all personnel and the public (correct)

To assess the extent of property damage

To lead the firefighting team

To operate the fire engine

What action should be taken first if patients are trapped in a burning vehicle?

Apply water to protect patients while facilitating their rescue Signup and view all the answers

What does the Emergency Response Guide (ERG) assist emergency responders with?

Tactics for fire suppression and hazardous material mitigation Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might the alarm response be upgraded to a 1st alarm structure fire response?

If the vehicle is on fire in an enclosed structure Signup and view all the answers

Which area is classified as a Hazard Zone during a vehicle fire?

Any area near the vehicle requiring SCBA and full PPE Signup and view all the answers

What does the DOT Placard system help first responders identify?

Hazards associated with products transported in vehicles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus if no life threat is detected at the scene of a vehicle fire?

Stabilization of the property on and around the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum fire attack flow recommended by the NFPA for initial fire attack?

125 GPM Signup and view all the answers

When should firefighters begin cooling the vehicle during a fire response?

From a distance, before approaching the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when firefighters are attacking a fire in the engine compartment?

Positioning themselves in front of the vehicle bumper Signup and view all the answers

During scene size-up, what is a crucial resource that must be communicated?

Presence of hazardous materials Signup and view all the answers

In the event of fuel spillage, which position should firefighters aim to attack the fire from?

Uphill position to prevent fuel progression Signup and view all the answers

Why is a shielding position important when positioning the engine on a busy highway?

To protect the crew from oncoming traffic Signup and view all the answers

What should a safety officer ensure during extended scenes?

All personnel wear proper PPE and SCBA Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the engine compartment is not accessible during a vehicle fire?

Attack the fire through the grill area with a straight stream pattern. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order for disconnecting battery cables after a vehicle fire is under control?

Disconnect the negative terminal first. Signup and view all the answers

How much water is typically needed to extinguish a high voltage battery fire?

3,000-8,000 gallons. Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended to monitor battery temperatures during the cooling process after a fire?

Thermal Imagery Camera. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial step during the overhaul process after extinguishing a vehicle fire?

Ensure there are no hot spots left. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective approach when fighting an interior compartment fire in a vehicle?

Work the fire from the side. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common location for batteries in today's vehicles due to NVT advancements?

Under the seats or in the trunk. Signup and view all the answers

How long may it take to adequately cool the battery compartment after a fire?

Up to an hour or more. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

This quiz covers key tactics for responding to vehicle fires, including safety considerations and the handling of hybrid and electric vehicles. Learn about the prioritization of life safety, incident stability, and property loss while ensuring the safety of all personnel involved. Understand the significance of the Emergency Response Guide and DOT placards in effectively managing fire situations.