Fire Safety and Incident Procedures
Truck fires usually start in a wheel-end, the wiring, or from a fuel or oil leak onto a hot exhaust. Questions test whether you attack a small fire correctly or get people away from a large one.
Fire classes and extinguishers
- Class A solids (paper, wood, cab trim), B flammable liquids (diesel, petrol, hydraulic oil), C gases, electrical.
- Fuel and oil fires need dry powder, foam or CO2. Never direct a water jet onto burning fuel - it spreads the fire.
- Use PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the flames, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.
- Extinguishers must be mounted, in date, and checked on the walk-around.
Incident drill
- Stop in a safe place away from buildings and fuel, engine off, battery isolated if accessible.
- Get everyone out and upwind, at least 100 m clear, and keep traffic away.
- Call 911 and state that it is a vehicle fire with the load type.
- Do not fully open a hot bonnet or engine cover - the rush of air feeds the fire.
- Tyres and wheels can explode when burning: stay well clear of the wheel arch.
- After any incident: protect the scene, first aid, police report, insurer notification, and a written account while it is fresh.
Worked example
Descending a long grade you smell burning and see smoke from a rear wheel of the trailer. Reasoning: this is likely a dragging brake or overheated bearing. Stop clear of traffic, chock the wheels, keep people away from the wheel arch, and let it cool. Do not pour water on a hot drum or hub - it can crack, and a pressurised tyre can let go. Call for assistance and record the defect.
Traps that cost marks
Opening the engine cover fully; using water on a diesel fire; standing beside a burning wheel.