A dumpster fire full#

Once the fire is knocked down, the firefighters will overhaul the contents by mixing and overturning the contents with pike poles. This prevents the firefighter from having to reach over the top of the dumpster without being able to see on the other side. Consider multiple pike poles for overhaul and a ladder.Ī ladder is often used to get the nozzle firefighter to a height in which they can safely attack the fire from above.Firefighters should come equipped with the proper tools.Be cautious of inhalation, explosion, and potential spill hazards.A major portion of the fire can be knocked down safely from a distance.Lob the water into the dumpster as you make your move.Anything that potentially explodes out the end of the dumpster will go right back at the crew. Just be careful of placement on this technique. This department uses the height of the truck to make attack. There is nothing wrong with hitting the dumpster with a master stream from a truck or a deck gun from an engine on the initial attack. This will all depend on the size of the dumpster and the fire load. Try not to commit too many firefighters to the attack. Depending on the size of the dumpster you may consider a 1 ¾' or 2 ½' line or multiple lines. Assume all dumpsters are potential bombs. Avoid the urge to enter the dumpster and make an 'interior' attack, and stay away from direct approaches towards access panels and doors.Įxpect the unexpected. Depending on the size and design of the dumpster, there are often access doors, panels, and some will even be designed to allow the end to open completely. The strength of the corner can offer additional protection in the event of an explosion. Corners are the strongest portion of the dumpster. On the approach, consider making an attack at an angle.

This fire features large roll-off dumpster fire If the dumpster is located near a structure, command may need to call for additional manpower to protect the exposures at risk. Be aware of potential exposure issues and maintain scene control by keeping civilians clear away from the dumpster. They should proceed with caution and be aware of inhalation and explosive hazards.

A dumpster fire full#

Once the apparatus is in position the firefighters should proceed in full PPE. You do not want to be in a position in which the smoke is blowing directly towards the apparatus, or hazardous fuels or liquids are draining back towards the apparatus as well. Take the time to correctly place the apparatus and ensure you have a positive water source for the operation.īe cautious of wind direction and slope of the ground in the fire area. Assuming there are no exposure issues, there is no reason to rush into a dumpster fire and put firefighters at risk of injury. We must go into all dumpster fires assuming the worst case scenario so we are always prepared. This will always vary and will depend on the specific contents of the dumpster. No smoke is safe to breathe at a dumpster fire, and often smoke at dumpster fires can be the most toxic of all fires. This fire features large roll-off dumpster with access at ends.Īll firefighters making an attack on a dumpster fire should be in full PPE at all times. We are typically approaching these fires unprotected and are often unprepared for the unexpected. The same complacency and lack of personal protection in vehicle fires plagues dumpster fires. The unknown and hidden dangers are what make dumpster fires so potentially deadly. Protection of the crew is the most important aspect of the attack and overhaul of the fire. Both types of fires are often approached with a similar lack of concern in the fire service.įirefighters are the life hazard at dumpster fires. In terms of dangerous operations, car fires and dumpster fires are neck and neck. When the call goes out as a dumpster fire we almost automatically allow our guards to go down. Fireground audio from fatal dumpster fire in Wis.