Automotive Fire Fighting Operations

• You are operating in an inherently hazardous environment.  Hazards may affect you at any time.  It is critical that you remain extremely alert.
• Do not focus so closely on the fire attack that you forget about other vehicular traffic around you.
• The total flow from hose lines deployed in an offensive attack on an automotive fire exceeds the required fire flow for the anticipated level of involvement.
• Base your fire flow on potential conditions.
• Selection of hose line for the fire attack should provide the maximum flow rate possible with the available staffing and water supply.
• Avoid direct frontal or rear exposure to charged bumper systems.
• Hose lines should be placed to protect exterior exposures (structures, other vehicles, including fire apparatus) that present imminent life risk or extension of the fire.
• Protect the mean of egress imminently threatened by fire.
• Confine and extinguish the fire.
• Check for extension within the vehicle or to exposures.
• Caution must be exercised with vehicles equipped with airbags; they may activate during fire or salvage and overhaul operations.
• Full PPE and SCBA will be worn.

April 2001