This page shall serve as the official  Vehicle Fire Policy for the San Andreas Fire Department:

Last Updated:  12/09/2022
By:   Kidd B.

11.1- Arriving on scene

• The Driver Operator will position the apparatus in a way that will provide the best protection for the crew during fire suppression activities 

•  The driver operator will engage the pump and stand by the pump panel for further instructions 

• The Officer will provide a scene size-up, assume command, and develop a fire suppression plan

11.2- Scene Safety

• Vehicle fire and other roadway fire operations may require personnel to block additional travel lanes for attack line deployment and to establish a safe working area. Personnel should don appropriate personal protective equipment during all roadway firefighting operations. Caution should be exercised when smoke reduces visibility

• If taking the primary blocking position behind a roadway fire could expose the engine to fire extension, the driver may position at an increased distance from the work area

• Roadway incidents involving flammable liquid tanker trucks and other potentially large-scale events may require establishing expanded incident work areas or closing entire roadways to accommodate potential extension, limit exposure for uninvolved civilian vehicles, and provide the necessary space for firefighter safety

11.3- Incident Actions

• The attack team will pull the hose line instructed by the Officer 

• Additional firefighters will do as instructed by the officer 

• The driver/operator will charge the hose line when directed and continue to monitor the pump operations 

• The attack team will approach the vehicle slowly from the side extinguishing the fire as they approach

• Caution should be taken as the team approached exploding bumpers, fuel tanks, tires, etc. 

• When the fire is under control the engine compartment and trunk of the vehicle on fire will be opened and cooled

• The vehicles battery cables should be disconnected or cut when possible

• The IC should give early consideration to requesting additional engines and tankers during commercial vehicle and electric vehicle fires. These incidents routinely require a large amount of water to extinguish. Although standpipes and associated fire department connections can be found on some bridges and overpasses and should be noted on pre-incident plans, personnel should incorporate these systems in primary water supply plans as they are not required by code to be near fire hydrants.