Vehicle Incidents

Scope

This Operational Guideline provides guidance when responding to vehicle incidents, including car, truck, and bus fires or accidents.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

Approach

• If possible, position so as not to obstruct others, out of hazardous areas, upwind, uphill and within a safe striking distance of the incident. Consider use of a vehicle to shield work area from traffic.
• Where possible determine if the vehicle utilises electric or alternate fuels, if so refer to the RFS OPG - Electric Vehicles for specific protocol.

Rescue

• If vehicle is, or might reasonably be occupied, ensure NSW Ambulance has been called. Initiate a primary search. Account for people. Protect search and rescue with a charged 38mm hose line (or equivalent) with fog/spray nozzle. Consider use of foam if fuel spillage is present.
• Protect and provide emergency care for trapped or injured persons. Unless no alternative is available (e.g., due to immediate threat from fire), leave removal of casualties to accredited rescue units.
• Protect victims and rescue workers from fire.

Suppression

• Small electrical or engine fire – use appropriate extinguisher or hose-reel.
• Fire in other compartments or abandoned vehicle fire – use a 38mm hose line (or equivalent) - beware of possible hazardous materials.

Overhaul

• Ensure vehicle cannot roll or tip, contain or cover spillages, disconnect battery (earth terminal first, then active terminal), cool hot exhausts and remove ignition sources.
• Use gentle water or foam application. Avoid disturbing foam blanket.
• Check for hot spots in tyres, upholstery, floor coverings, wiring, luggage, air filters and inside concealed areas (safely feel for hot/warm spots).
• Protect vehicle or cargo recovery operations.

Other Operations

Support operations as needed with such activities as coordinated forcible entry, ventilation, illumination, salvage and water supply activities.

Special Considerations

Hazards and Precautions

• Hazards may include traffic, electricity, hazardous components, vehicle roll/tip, dangerous contents, airbags, and blood.
• Precautions may include to:
  • Apply traffic control and appropriate appliance and firefighter positioning;
  • Use appropriate tactics, procedures, personal protective clothing and equipment (PPC/PPE) (including against cross-infection where needed);
  • Look out for electrical hazards (such as downed power lines, power kiosk);
  • Chock vehicle and disconnect battery, only if needed (earth terminal first, then active terminal);
  • Make spillages safe (e.g., use of foam); and/or
  • Avoid air bags, bumpers, shock absorbers and magnesium wheels, gas filled boot and bonnet struts, and seatbelt fittings.
• Consider specific hazards that may only be present when an electric vehicle (EV) is involved, including high-voltage (HV) direct current (DC) electricity, toxic and flammable gases and vapours, and high-pressure flame from batteries. Refer to the RFS OPG - Electric Vehicles for specific protocol.
• If a danger to the crew is identified, those in danger are to be warned immediately and the Officer in Charge (OIC) notified. Upon observing or being advised of danger to the crew, the OIC is to:
  • Activate emergency signals to warn everyone who may be in immediate danger. This may consist of repeated whistle blasts, intermittent blasts of siren, tugging on hose lines, and/or emergency radio message;
  • Advise crew of what action to take; and
  • Update FireCom of crew status, location, and condition.
• Upon hearing an emergency signal, crew members are to evacuate the area of operations and report to their appliance.

Related Information

• ANCAP Rescue App
• RFS OPG - Electric Vehicle Incidents
• RFS OPG - Hazmat Incidents