Proper and complete size up

• As you approach the scene use the same size up procedures as you would any fire.
• Are there victims trapped in the vehicle(s).
• Take a moment and determine the make, model, and construction of the involved vehicle.  This will help identify fuels used, if passive or active passenger restraints are installed, whether shock-absorbing bumpers or gas-loaded struts are present, or if magnesium or other metals may be involved.
• Determine if involvement is in the engine compartment, passenger area, or trunk, or maybe all three.  Are fuels leaking out that need special attention?  Will the water supply be adequate for total extinguishment?
• Exposures such as near-by vehicles or structures, overhead wires, or the proximity of other first responders or spectators may require pulling a second line for additional protection.  Also if spectators or traffic are a concern, now is the time to place the call for traffic control to the scene.
• Keep safety in mind at all times.  Even though placement of the apparatus should position the attack crew up wind and up hill from the fire, SCBA and full protective clothing are mandatory.
• This should be the time to determine if additional firefighting equipment may be needed.

Engine placement at the scene

• The positioning of the engine on the Interstate, or a busy highway should be in a shielding position to support the safety of the crew.
• The positioning of the engine in a parking lot or non-traveled road should be in a manner in which the engine does not box itself in and become an exposure.
• The positioning of the engine should take into consideration the front and rear bumpers of the vehicle.  Remember a bumper can explode outward around 200 feet.

Stay upwind and uphill

• You can always pick up hill, you cannot always pick up wind.
• In the event of a fuel spillage you do not want that fuel agent progressing down the hill toward the firefighters.  If at all possible, attack the fire from the up hill position.
• The officer should monitor the fire.  Is there a flammable fuel leaking from the vehicle?  The hose line may have to sweep under the vehicle pushing the fuel away and ultimately, a dry chemical extinguisher may be required for full extinguishment of the fire.

Protection in place of trapped victims

• Firefighters may have to use a hose line to protect accident victims until rescue personnel can remove them from the vehicle.

Traffic control and flow

• Smoke from the fire may flow in the direction of the passing traffic.  This may obscure the vision of oncoming traffic and cause vehicles to swerve, stop, or try to take evasive action.
• Always be aware of the traffic flow pattern and always expect the unexpected vehicle bearing down on you.  This can happen even after traffic control officers seem to have the moving traffic under control.
• YOUR SAFETY is a main concern at the scene.  Always try to be aware of what is happening around you.

Attacking the Fire

								To Kolb