CRASH FIRES SUPPRESSION

OBJECTIVE Learning Outcome 7 Assessment Criteria 7 State the Factors that Would Affect the Efficient Suppression of Crash Fires. 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 Explain the causes and development of an aircraft crash fire. Differentiate a mist fire from spilled liquid fire. Determine the dimension of a crash fire of a given aircraft. Apply efficient extinguishing agent discharge rates to suppress crash fires. State the factors that would affect the efficient suppression of crash fires.

REFERENCES a. b. c. d. e. Aircraft Accidents A Practical Guide for Responders. Instruction Manual for Airport Emergency Operations Ch. 12. IFSTA 206 Aircraft Fire Protection & Rescue Procedures. Aircraft Safety Accident Investigations, Analyses & Application-Second Edition Airports Operations-Second Edition.

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CRASH FIRES SUPPRESSION

INTRODUCTION On April 5, 1976, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 727 crashed at Ketchikan International Airport. There was full-time crash fire and rescue service under the control of the airport manager. However, it had no formal training in fire-fighting techniques or in operating the two crash trucks. The airport manager had neither the training to direct fire fighting nor the experience and personnel to do it. Fire-fighting at activities by the airport crew at the accident site were therefore described as minimal. The AIRCRAFT CRASH FIRE An aircraft crash is a terrible and complex situation to manage. Normally the causes and development of an aircraft crash fire due to the: a) Human Factors- Poor judgement and decision making, Problem in Crew Resource Management, Spatial disorientation. b) Runway Incursions-Foreign of damage. c) Weather-Cloud formation, thunderstorms, turbulence, downburst and low-leve windshear. d) Mechanical and Maintenance-Technical problem, poor maintenance and system malfunction. After 4 minutes of exposure to fire aircraft windows will melt and within one further minute , the cabin temperature will be sufficiently high to ensure no survivors. Therefore, it is often necessary to concentrate first on fire suppression prior to any rescue. The crashing of an aircraft onto building will normally result in the spread if debris over a wide area with a number of major fires breaking out as well as a large number of smaller ones. SPILLED LIQUID FIRES Any spillage of fuel should be immediately covered with sand, sawdust or a neutralising agent. It should be contained if it is flowing and prevented from running into the drainage system. Any materials used to absorb the fuel should be removed and disposed of safely. For the fuel spillage with fire can be dealt with in the same manner as any other flammable liquid fire. The primary concern must be to ensure the safety of life and then to protect the aircraft from damage as well as any adjacent aircraft or building(s). In some cases, fires have occurred following wing fuel tank explosions caused by fuel pump, electrostatic discharge or incorrect maintenance. These ignitions can result in subsequent explosions of adjacent fuel tanks or cells. Such fires are best tackled by rescue and firefighting vehicles using foam monitors/turrets together with water sprays to protect surrounding risks. CRASH FIRE DIMENSION Approaching an aircraft accident scene is the first step to gaining control of chaotic situation.

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Figure 5-4 shows the fundamental tactics for dealing with a low-impact crash landing involving a passenger aircraft. Notice the location(s) of incident command and the positioning of firefighting, rescue, and water-supply vehicles. The figure shows police officers first on scene and attempting quick access to the people inside the aircraft. (Case studies have shown that police are most often the first on scene.) Fire vehicles have been positioned and hoselines have been advanced to extinguish the fire and protect rescuers and escaping passengers. In this scenario, ARFF vehicles are en route, as are county fire vehicles. Water may be used on a wheel fire to protect adjacent portions of the airplane and cool the tires. Never, however, apply water to burning magnesium.

TACTICAL DIAGRAM PASSENGGER AIRCRAFT LANDING E-1-Has 600 gallons of water and 50 gallons AFFF foam concentrate. Begins initial attack. using two 1 1/2" pre-connect hoses. Interlocking fog water spray patterns. It is possible to contain a fuel-fed aircraft fire in this manner. Being resupplied by a 2.500 gallon Water Tender. E-2-Has advanced one pre-connect 1 112" pre-connect hose to cover rescue. Has 600 gallon tank. will be resupplied by next in Water Tender. WT-3-2.500 Water Tender resupplying E-2. (often called a "Nursing Operation") R-1-Rescue Squad. performs rescue operations/entry while coverage being provided by other units. Their entry into the aircraft backed up by hose line people. M-1-Establishes/monitors Triage Area. INCIDENT COMMAND-Is set up at area affording safety and visibility. Additional resources such as AFFF foam. and manpower available on request. Figure 5-5 is a diagram of a generic major aircraft accident or a hazardous materials operation. Notice that provision is made for a refuge area close to the hot zone.

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Figure 5-5 The zones for a major aircraft accident or a HAZMAT EXTINGUISHING AGENT The most common Class B firefighting foam used in aircraft firefighting is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). AFFF creates a protective blanket that allows fire to be extinguished. Once a foam blanket has been established, it forms a vapour barrier minimizing the chances of a reignition. If you observe gaps in the foam blanket, or notice it begin to dry and blow away, reapply foam to the area, keeping the blanket intact. As a rule of thumb , many agencies reapply the foam blanket every 20 minutes to ensure consistent coverage and efficacy. AFFF can be delivered in different percentages, ranging from a 1 percent-to an 8 percent ratio mixture of foam product to water. Know the appropriate application percentage and techniques for different fire types. AFFF can be applied using a raindrop effect. The resulting foam naturally forms a blanket over spilled fuel fires, extinguishing the flames. CONCLUSION Some so-called experts believe that plane crashes are not survivable. This mind set perpetuates apathy and promotes weak disaster plans, poor training, and an unprepared response force. In fact, many aircraft crashes have survivors. This is why the efficient emergency responder trains for the proper fire suppression, rescue-extrication, and incident management associated with aviation accidents.

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