Fire in the Galley While Moored in a Lock
You are the skipper of a 10-metre motor cruiser with four people on board. You are moored in a lock on the Canal Bruxelles-Charleroi, waiting for the water level to rise. The lock is about 30 metres wide and 100 metres long, with stone walls. There are other vessels moored alongside. Suddenly, a fire breaks out in the galley due to a grease pan overheating. The fire is small but spreading quickly, producing thick black smoke. You have a dry powder extinguisher (2 kg) and a fire blanket in the galley, and a bucket. The lock gates are closed, and the water level is rising slowly. The wind is blowing from the stern towards the bow. Your crew includes two adults and two children. You need to decide how to handle the fire and evacuate if necessary.
1. What type of fire is this and what is the correct extinguishing method?
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This is a Class B fire involving flammable liquids (grease). The correct method is to use the fire blanket or the dry powder extinguisher. First, turn off the heat source if safe to do so. Then, cover the pan with the fire blanket to smother the fire, or use the dry powder extinguisher aiming at the base of the fire. Never use water on a grease fire as it can cause a violent steam explosion and spread the fire. The bucket of water is not appropriate for the grease fire, but could be used to cool surrounding surfaces. Ensure that the extinguisher is suitable for Class B fires (dry powder is). After extinguishing, leave the blanket in place until the pan has cooled completely. Ventilate the area to remove smoke. If the fire cannot be controlled immediately, evacuate the vessel.
2. How should you manage the evacuation of the crew, considering the lock environment and the other vessels?
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If the fire is not extinguished quickly, you must evacuate. The lock walls are high, but there may be ladders. First, ensure everyone is wearing life jackets. Move the crew to the bow, away from the fire and smoke, as the wind is blowing from stern to bow. However, if the fire is spreading forward, you may need to move to the stern. Assess the best escape route. Since you are moored alongside other vessels, you could evacuate onto an adjacent vessel if it is safe and the crew there is aware. Use the VHF radio to alert the lock keeper and other vessels. The lock keeper can assist with evacuation and call the fire brigade. Do not attempt to jump overboard unless necessary, as the water is cold and there is risk of being trapped. If you must abandon ship, use the bucket to signal for help. Keep the children close and calm. Once evacuated, move to a safe distance and account for everyone.
3. What environmental and legal obligations arise from this incident?
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After the fire is out, you must report the incident to the relevant authorities, such as the port authority or the lock keeper, as required by local regulations. You should also check for any pollution: dry powder is not environmentally harmful, but grease and burnt materials could contaminate the water. Use absorbent materials to clean up any spills. Do not pump contaminated water overboard. If there is significant pollution, notify the authorities. You should also inspect the vessel for damage and ensure it is safe to continue. Record the incident in the logbook, including the cause, actions taken, and any injuries. If the fire was caused by a faulty appliance, have it repaired before use. Finally, review your fire safety equipment and procedures to prevent future occurrences.