CAR ENGINE FIRES: TACTICS FOR QUICK KNOCKDOWNS
Relatively little attention has been paid to the strategies and tactics used in the suppression of automobile engine compartment fires. Most relevant training focuses primarily on firefighter safety. Extinguishing engine compartment fires can be frustrating when the operating cable for the hood latch mechanism becomes inoperative due to fire or collision damage. This situation often results in firefighters attempting to pry the hood open at the forward latch area, very often with poor results. These difficulties can lead to additional damage from both the prying and the continuation of the burning process. In addition, bystanders may interpret this difficulty as a lack of skill on the part of the firefighters.
(Photos by author.)
Occasionally, an engine compartment fire can be the result of a severe collision that results in ruptured fuel lines, electrical short circuits, or other fire hazards. In cases when the collision is severe enough to cause an engine compartment fire, the possibility of passenger entrapment also exists. If entrapment has occurred, rapid fire extinguishment is of paramount importance-otherwise, the collision victims will become fire fatalities.
Recently, a group of firefighting instructors met in a workshop to examine the problems encountered in dealing with engine compartment fires and to explore possible solutions for these problems. The goal of the workshop was to determine which firefighting methods would be most effective if collision victims were trapped in a burning car. The workshop was a common-sense, real-world approach to a frustrating and dangerous problem.
By comparing a variety of tactics under controlled circumstances, the group was able to determine which methods of attack are most effective. Some of the tactics examined are used routinely by firefighting crews, while others were experimental. Primary emphasis was placed on situations dealing with victim entrapment, with little regard to damage caused by the tirefighting operation. If no victim entrapment exists, tactics that cause less damage may be more appropriate.
THE BASICS REVISITED
At the scene of a vehicle fire, the strategy (plan) and tactics (procedures) employed should be determined after the company officer has sized up the situation. The specific location of the fire, extent of involvement, and hazards to firefighters and passengers should be taken into account. After sizing up the situation, the company officer can determine the safest approach to the vehicle, which tools are required to access the engine compartment, and which extinguishing agent should be used. The strategy developed and tactics utilized should result in a quick knockdown and subsequent extinguishment to be considered effective.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
When fighting vehicle fires, safety dictates that firefighters follow certain protocols whenever possible.
- Wear full turnout gear.
- Wear and use self-contained breathing
- apparatus, which will improve visibility and allow you to work longer and more effectively.
- To maximize visibility and minimize exposure to smoke and flame, conduct operations from the upwind side of the vehicle.
- If the vehicle is located on an uneven surface, work from the uphill side to avoid standing in leaking fluids such as gasoline and oil.
- Using a 1 1/2or 1 3/4-inch handline, rather than booster lines, will make knockdown more effective. Also, the nozzles usually are in better condition.
- Try to avoid standing in front of bumpers. Shock-absorbing bumpers can fail (explode) when heated, as can tires, gas tanks, driveshafts, and any other sealed container. Determining where to stand and work can be difficult, especially after taking into consideration the guidelines established by various organizations. Some organizations instruct personnel not to stand in front of a bumper, while others say not to stand near a tire and wheel assembly. Both precautions are valid, but they leave virtually no room to work in situations where the hood must be pried up to fight the fire. Common sense and a safety-oriented frame of mind are required in these situations.
THE TECHNIQUES
A variety of tools and techniques were used during the instructors’ workshop, reflecting the fact that different emergency vehicles carry different tools and that no two situations are exactly the same. The procedures examined, in the general order of effectiveness, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure, are listed below.
Prying Up The Hood From The Side
Tools needed. Halligan tool, sledgehammer or flathead ax, and hoseline or portable extinguisher.
Procedure. Drive the claw end or the adz (wide blade) end of the halligan between the hood and the fender, then pry the hood up.
Advantages. This procedure provides a narrow access area to half of the engine compartment and allows firefighters to work from the side of the vehicle instead of in front of the bumper.
Disadvantages. The procedure may have to be performed on both sides. The opening that is created is narrow, so finding a purchase point may be difficult with snug-fitting hoods and in heavy smoke conditions.
Halligan Tool Through The Hood
Tools needed. Halligan tool, sledgehammer or flathead ax, and hoseline or portable extinguisher.
Procedure. Place the pike (pointed end) of the halligan tool approximately 12 inches from the side edge of the hood. Strike the halligan tool, driving the pike completely through the hood. With the pike of the halligan tool still in the hole, swing the claw end of the tool in the opposite direction so that the handle is pointing away from you. Using a prying and lifting motion, bring the handle into a vertical position. The result is an elongated hole angled upward slightly, allowing for an effective angle of attack with a hose stream or portable extinguisher.
Advantages. The procedure is simple, quick, and efficient, and complications are unlikely.
Disadvantages. Striking the halligan with a sledgehammer or ax results in some vehicle movement, which could have a detrimental effect on any victims in the car. On some vehicles, the pike of the halligan must be driven through multiple layers of metal to penetrate into the engine compartment. The procedure generally requires two firefighters.
Halligan Tool Through The Headlight
Tools needed. Halligan tool, sledgehammer or flathead ax, and hoseline.
Procedure. Place the claw end of the halligan tool against a headlight and drive it through the headlight with a sledgehammer or flathead ax. Work the halligan tool into the headlight opening to clear as much metal and plastic out of the way as possible, then direct the hose stream into the opening.
Advantages. In many vehicles, the headlight area can be penetrated easily.
Disadvantages. Obstructions such as plastic and metal body components may be difficult to clear out of the way and can hinder access. Batteries may be damaged, resulting in chemical leakage. If one headlight is taken out, access will be limited to one side of the engine compartment. The procedure requires firefighters to stand in front of the bumper—again, not a safe place to work.
Saw Through The Hood
Tools needed. Engine-driven saw, prying tool or pike pole, and hoseline.
Procedure. Use a saw with a metal cutting blade to make one of five cuts:
- an “X” in the center of the hood;
- a V-shaped cut from one of the sides;
- a V-shaped cut at the front latch area, which disconnects the latch from the rest of the hood;
- diagonal cuts across the rear corners of the hood, which disconnect the hinge/ lifters from the rest of the htx>d; and
- a straight cut from the driver’s side to
- the passenger’s side in the middle of the hood.
Make one of the cuts described above. Pry the hood up or remove the metal with a prying tool or pike pole.
Advantages. This procedure can create large access areas to the engine compartment.
Disadvantages. Cutting through the battery or cables can result in a short circuit or release of battery chemicals. Cutting through the radiator or hoses can result in the discharge of hot, pressurized coolant. Cutting through air-conditioning lines or gas-filled shock absorbers can result in the discharge of pressurized gases. Cutting out the front latch could subject firefighters to serious injuries should the shock-absorbing bumper system fail. Avoid cutting out the front latch.
Piercing Nozzle Through Fender, Headlight, Hood, and Grill
Tools needed. Piercing nozzle, hoseline, pumper, sledgehammer or flathead ax.
Procedure. Drive the piercing nozzle through the desired body component and apply water.
Advantages. Once penetration has been made, a wide stream of water can be delivered to most areas of the engine compartment.
Disadvantages. Striking and driving the piercing nozzle can be awkward and difficult, especially in low-visibility conditions. Hot, pressurized engine coolants and battery chemicals could discharge. If the fender area is used as a point of attack, it is important to penetrate both the inner and outer fender areas. Avoid standing in front of the bumper when attacking the grill or headlight area.
Pneumatic (Air-Operated) Cutting Tool Through The Hood
Tools needed. Air chisel or saw, air supply, hoseline or portable extinguisher.
Procedure. Cut an access hole in the hood with the desired tool.
Advantages. A large opening can be created, allowing good access.
Disadvantages. Fire and heat can damage air-supply hose. Multiple layers of metal can make cuts difficult. Decreased visibility can make it difficult to cut accurately.
No single method of attack will work well in all situations. Dealing with variables is an aspect of firefighting, since no two situations arc exactly the same. Being familiar with a variety of tactics will allow the company officer to select the most appropriate tactic for the situation at hand. In addition, the officer can change the method of attack as conditions change or when a particular method produces poor results.
The solutions that were considered by the instructors in the workshop are not necessarily the only solutions that will provide satisfactory results. They are the result of experimentation and evaluation of current practices and can serve as the basis for further experimentation. Experimentation, however, should be done in training sessions, not at the scene of an emergency. This means getting out of the fire station and into the field. One or two vehicles can provide a lot of hands-on training for a company and can lead to innovative ideas. With adequate training, firefighters can feel confident at the scene of life-threatening vehicle fires.
