Smoke explosions: Firefighters know that explosions happen suddenly and are unpredictable. They cannot be prevented during a fire. Explosions are a constant part of the firefighter's... deadly uncontrolled work environment. , However, warning signs of smoke explosions are taught to firefighters. They are: reversal of air pulling smoke back into a smoke-filled doorway; black smoke pushing out around a closed door; or window frames and glass windows stained with smoke condensation and pulsating from the pressure of the fire.
Gas meter explosion: Firefighters are trained when fighting gas meter fires to shut off the supply. They are trained not to extinguish a gas fire with a hose stream. They are trained to let the gas fire bum and protect exposures from fire until the gas can be shut off.
Gas pipe explosions: After a fire is extinguished, and before overhauling begins, gas and electric supplies are shut off. During a serious fire, gas pipe joints may fail and leak explosive gas. When performing structural overhauling where walls and ceiling must be opened to examine for hidden fire spread, gas and electric supply to the area is shut off, limiting the danger of explosion due to leaking gas and electric spark ignition.
BLEVE explosions: When encountering a burning propane cylinder, firefighters are trained to: 1. Cool the vapor space of the cylinder. 2. Shut off the gas by the control handle, if possible.
3. If the flow of burning gas cannot be shut off, withdraw to a safe distance and allow the propane gas to burn. Flammable vapor explosions. After a fire is extinguished and explosive or flammable liquid residue left by an arsonist is discovered in the burned-out rubble, firefighters are trained not to disturb the area, to withdraw, do not overhaul and notify the fire investigators to respond.
Explosion occupancies identified: Firefighters are trained to identify the occupancies where explosions occur. Explosion occurs in stores more than in residences. Stores, unlike residences, are more likely to contain explosive and flammable solids, liquids and gases. These include paint stores, hardware stores, woodworking shops, motor vehicle garages, restaurant kitchens, construction shanties, flower and garden shops, stores under renovation and buildings illegally storing propane cylinders. Fire inspections should require fire suppression system to be installed in these occupancies. Also, like truss construction these dangerous occupancies should be the subjects of fire pre-planning and notification to the first-in firefighters. First-responding incident commanders should be notified of the explosion danger and the pre-plan when responding to that location.
Manhole explosions: When a manhole cover is emitting smoke and popping off the street, firefighters stretch a hose and stand a safe distance from that and other nearby manhole covers. They do not park fire apparatus in the street near other manhole covers. Nearby cellars are checked for fire and smoke spreading to or from the manhole to the cellar through electric or gas conduits. The utility company is called to the scene and firefighters await electric supply shutoff.
Vehicle fuel tank explosions: When extinguishing a vehicle fire, firefighters use the reach of a hose stream and stand away from fuel tanks and explosive bumpers.
Bombs: When an explosive is found at, a scene, firefighters do not disturb the device. They evacuate people, withdraw to a safe area, notify the bomb squad, and stretch a hose line and prepare for an explosion, collapse and fire.
Explosion fragments: At an explosion flying fragments such as glass, brick and shards of splintered wood cause most injuries. Shrapnel should be foremost in the minds of firefighters operating at a scene of a potential explosion. Eye shields should be down.
