This video, that was provided to us by SBCBN, captures Medic Engine 229 responding to a recent vehicle fire in San Bernardino. While enroute, ME229 confirmed that the occupants were clear of the vehicle, so upon arrival they went directly into suppression operations in the safest manner possible. That means full personal protective equipment (PPE) with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for the firefighter on the nozzle.
Many vehicles today have plastic gas tanks. They typically rupture on vehicle fires due to the heat. This video show that exact scenario.
This vehicle has a large amount of fire underneath it because gasoline vapors are heavier than air and travel along the ground. What is burning is the vapor under the vehicle, not the liquid.
Free flowing fuel can cause fires to spread quickly under and around the vehicle. Burning gasoline produces carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and toxic gases, that’s why we wear SCBA’s.
San Bernardino County Fire would like to remind everyone who thinks their vehicle is catching fire to pull over safely, shut off the vehicle, get everyone out, and call 911.