Fires involving commercial motor vehicles (CMV’s) can be costly in terms of damaged equipment and cargo, missed or delayed deliveries and lost revenue from downtime. The total loss of a truck alone can exceed $100,000. Even more devastating are the serious injuries and deaths related to post-crash, fuel-fed fires. These accidents can result in multi-million dollar liability claims involving motor carriers and their drivers.

CMV Related Fire Hazards
While collision or crash-related fuel fires are among the most publicized and costly losses involving trucks, they are not the only cause of truck fires. Other causes include:

Tire Fires – Tire fires usually result from an external heat source causing the tire to reach a combustion temperature. A common heat source is malfunctioning brakes. These fires usually do not happen until the vehicle has stopped, since airflow is no longer available to dissipate the heat. Under-inflated tires or duals that touch or rub can also cause tires to overheat.

Electrical Fires – Electrical fires in vehicles are usually related to malfunctioning electrical devices/switches or short circuits due to damaged or loose wiring and connections. These fires often involve the engine compartment and can quickly spread or accelerate once the fuel system becomes involved.

Cargo Fires – Certain cargos or loads may be flammable, heat-sensitive, combustible or subject to spontaneous combustion. Agricultural commodities and chemicals are common materials that are subject to these hazards.

Improper fueling – Accidents and fires can result from failure to shut off the engine while fueling or failure to shut off the engine while fueling or failure to stay with the vehicle while fueling (which can result in spills). Smoking while fueling or in the vicinity of fueling stations can also cause fires.

Carelessness – Examples of carelessness include cigarettes being dropped on the upholstery

Distractions while driving, parking over dry leaves or brush with hot engine parts, and misuse of tools or equipments (e.g., welding) and flammable liquids, especially while servicing or maintaining the vehicle.

Arson – Arson is a leading cause of vehicle fires. Vehicles left or parked in suspect areas or neighborhoods can be at risk.

Preventing Truck-Related Fires

Conduct periodic safety meetings for drivers to discuss truck fire causes and preventive measures; including driver responsibilities during pre-trip inspections and how to deal with fires should they occur (e.g., how to use a fire extinguisher).

Establish preventive maintenance and pre-trip inspection procedures and take prompt action where deficiencies are noted and repairs needed. Inspections should include electrical/battery cables, hydraulic hoses, fuel lines, brakes, the exhaust system and tires. Any leaks should be repaired and any leakage cleaned up. Make sure the proper type of fire extinguisher(s) are on-board and properly charged.

Drivers should monitor their vehicle en route, periodically checking tires, brakes and signs or symptoms of trouble spots during fuel stops and other breaks.

Drivers should always use care in refueling and never smoke while filling up. Follow safe fuelling procedures as posted at the pump.

Knowing what to do in the event of a vehicle fire is important. Motor carriers should provide instructions and training to drivers in how to react to a fire. Drivers should not attempt to extinguish a vehicle fire unless they have been trained in how to do so safely.

Here are some driver safety tips to follow in the even of a vehicle related fire:

Stop the vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Park away from buildings, other vehicles, brush and other types of combustible materials or fuels that could also become engulfed in the fire or accelerate it. Don’t pull into a gasoline station

Shut off the engine and turn off the ignition

Notify emergency services of your problem and your location

Protect yourself from oncoming traffic and place traffic warning devices, if necessary.

If trained, and it is safe to do so, attempt to put out the fire with the right type of fire extinguisher. For an engine fire, don’t open the hood if you can avoid it. Shoot the extinguisher through the front louvers or from the underside of the vehicle.

Keep doors closed for cargo fires in vans or box trailers. Opening doors could fuel the fire out of control.

Use the right fire extinguisher. B: C extinguishers are designed to work on electrical fires and flammable liquids. An A:B:C type extinguisher will also work on ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper and cardboard. Extinguishers containing water are inappropriate for fuel or gasoline fires and could spread the fire

Remember, if in doubt about the type of extinguisher to use or whether it is safe to put out the fire yourself, wait for emergency services.

Source - Sentry Insurance Safety Advisor