Vehicle Fires: Standard Operating Guidelines

• Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Standard Operating Guideline pertaining to vehicle fires.
• SOG 400-04
• Issue date: 05/21/2018
• Effective date: 06/21/2018
• Designed to provide a framework for safe and effective fire attack operations involving motorized vehicles.
• The Fire Rescue Administrator has the authority over this guideline.
• It applies to all Emergency Operations personnel.
• The guidelines provide a basic framework for vehicle fire incidents
• Refer to the 100 series SOGs for Pre-Incident Planning, Response and Communication Center guidelines.
• Refer to the 200 series SOGs for Incident Management System, Communication and Accountability guidelines.
• Refer to the 300 series SOGs for all General Operations guidelines.
• Refer to the 400 series SOGs, particularly the 420 series for tactical guidelines.
• While responding, the Communication Center may provide information like hydrant availability and location.
• The first arriving unit may request additional units based on visible or reported conditions, knowledge of the roadway, water supply in the area, or unusual circumstances.

Vehicle Fire Tactical Considerations

• Units should position to block the Safe Work Area from traffic and other hazards (refer to SOG 310-01 Traffic Operations) and be upwind, when possible.
• When smoke is low hanging and moving upstream of traffic, blocking for a Safe Work Area takes priority.
• Consider placing the Attack Engine upwind and other units downwind as Blockers.
• Fire Rescue personnel shall not approach a vehicle fire from the front or rear.
• Approach a vehicle fire from a 45-degree angle from the sides.
• Vehicle hoods, airbags, and hatchbacks contain compressed cylinders, which have injured firefighters and damaged apparatus.
• The Fire Attack hose line should be, at a minimum, 1¼" pre-connected hose line flowing a minimum of 100 GPM.
• The battery cables shall be disconnected or cut from the battery, both positive and negative.
• The entire vehicle, including the trunk, shall be searched for possible victims.

Responsibilities of First Arriving Unit

• Shall establish Incident Command and manage the incident until Incident Command is transferred or terminated (according to SOG 200-02 Incident Command Sequence).
• Give an Arrival Report (refer to SOG 420-01 Fire Attack Operations).

Responsibilities of Incident Commander

• Manage the incident (refer to SOG 200-02 Incident Command Sequence).
• Ensure Benchmarks are performed and communicated (refer to SOG 210-01 Communications).
• Assign an Incident Safety Officer.
• Ensure all personnel on scene are wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Ensure personnel accountability is in place and being followed (refer to SOG 220-01 Personnel Accountability).
• Ensure the two-in/two-out rule is being followed (i.e., for any entry into 18 wheel trailers) (refer to SOG 220-02 Two in/Two out).
• Assign Fire Rescue personnel to assess for any patients.
• Consider requesting a Fire Investigator according to Investigator Call Out Procedure (PPM FR-B-101).

Responsibilities of Company Officers

• Communicate benchmarks and progress reports (according to SOG 210-01 Communications).

Responsibilities of Firefighters

• Perform in a safe manner while following all applicable SOG's.
• During vehicle fire operations, wear full personal protective equipment and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

Supersession History

• SOG #2210, issued 04/01/2005
• SOG #2210, issued 10/01/2012
• SOG 400-04, clerical 05/01/2018
• SOG 400-04, issued 05/21/2018