GEN-021 - Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Scrap Tire Fires

FOR THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF

S C R A P TIRE:

FIRES

Scrap Tire Management Council USE. RECYCLE. RECOVER

Chapter

Title

Page

Distribution Map of Recent Scrap T i e Fires ........... 2 Introduction ............................................................. 3 Initial Action Checklist ................... :......................... 6 Pre-Fire Plans ...........................................................

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Fie Prevention .......................................................

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Size-Up ...................................................................

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Establishing Control ............................................... 21 Health and Safety ..................................................

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Suppression Tactics ...............................................

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Environmental Concerns ....................................... 34 Public Relations and Information .......................... 40

Distribution of Recent Scrap Tire Fires

Elwood, New Jersey Prince Georges County, Maryland =inchester, Virginia Lancnsrer, Ohio Carjkill, New York Hngersville, Onmrio Pontinc. Michigan Lincoln, Nebraska

9. FORVorth, Texas Wled County, Colorado Gnntsville. Ohio Huntington, California Snanienro, C;ilifomia 14. Berks County, Pennsylvania 15. Danville, New Hampshire 10. 11. 12. 13.

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5th the disposal of an estimated 740 million vehicle tires each year in the United States, the management of scrap tires has become a major economic and environmental issue. Although responsible means for disposal, such as recycling and incineration have recendy become more common, the tire dumps of the last forry years continue to present environmental and safety hazards that will last into the foreseeable Future. The fire service has had to confront this problem on an increasingly irequent basis. Overthe pastsevenl years there h3s been a sharp increzse in the occunnce and severity of scrap tire fires. Cunenr storage regulations are often unheeded, and fire departments aregenerauyill-equippedandunuained in the management of these incidenrs; this is especiaify m e in rural areas, where many scrap tire piles are located. T i e fues are different from conventional fires in many respeccs. Some

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ofthemajorproblemsd~esefuespresent are listed below: 81 Even relatively small tire fves can require large community resource commitment In Lincoln, Nebmska, a f i e in a pile of scrap tiresmeasuring ljofeetby 50 feet by 10 feet high required one-half of the fire department%equipment and personnel to control. Theoverrime espendirure during this incident reduced the department's abidity to provide prevention and education programs for the remainder of the budget year. E The cost of management is often far beyond that which the f u e department can absorb. Canadian officials estimate the 1990 Hagarsville, Ontario, fire cost S1.5 million to extinguish and caused S3 million in damage. At the height ofrhe ten-

aaetirefueeinCacs~I1,NewYork.nearly 1,000 fire fighters and 1,000 support

tire fires. The reconinlendations of this group are contained in this document, and can be helpful in rhe prevention, T h e e n v i r o n m e n t a l conse- plamingandmanagementofscraptire quences of major tire fires are sip- fires. This document and the guidelines nificant A tire fire in Rhinehan, Virginia issued it contains are intended to compliment: a plume of smoke 3,000 feet high and 1. Nationally recognized stand~rds j0 miles long with fallout reponed in and good practices, such as the Codes and Standards of the Nathree states. This f i e also threatened tional Fire Protections Association the drinking water in the Disuict of (NFPA) and Factory Mutual SysColumbia with lead and arsenic conterns' Loss Prevention Data Guides; urnination. Offici~sises~imtedtheclean 2. Loully developedsite-specifrcpreup costar S1.3 million. fire plans developed by the fire II -reme heat turns rubber into protection organization; 02, a n d a standard passenger car 3. Local or state ordinances, codes, statutes, standards or rules, partire c a n generate abouttwo @ens titularly those that regulate s c n p of oil a s it burns a n d liquifies. tire operators or storage facilides; If half of the burned tires in the Hagnrsville, Ontario fire were liquified 4. Emer~enc):preparedness plans in dlis manner, an estimated 14 million developedby local andsure emergdlons of toxic oil could have been g e n q management organizations leached into che soil of nearby farm- 5 . Adviceandrecommendationsfrom lands (by comparison, the Essontechnical specialists from organizations such as the Environmental Valdez incident spilled 11million galProtection Agericy and the rubber Ions of oil into the sea). tire industry. The risks presented by tire fires demons&tes the need to address diis The guidelines contained in this docuproblem. The potenrial for damage ment are based upon rhe collective increnseswithever/tired'isurded. Fie - experiences of incident commanders depamenrs,tiremanufacturers.the in- who have managed major scrap tire sunnce industry and the public are at fires and are presentedas an adjunct to risk when these fires occur. the strategic and tacticnl practices alIn June of 1992, as pan of an effort ready a p m o f proper fire ground mansupported by the International Asso- agementandconuoi. Theseguidelines ciation of Fie Chiefs(1AFC) and the do not necessarily represent the poliScrap T i e Management Council. sev- cies of the InternationalAssociation of enteenindividualsrepresenringthefie Fire Chiefs, ir staff or members, nor of service, government and industry met the Rubber k1anufacrurersAssoci~tion, in Washington. D.C. toexchange infor- its staff or members. mation and experiences on manaxing

personnel were operating from as far away as 70 miles.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The insight, willingness to share experiences and unique contribution of the panicipanu is greatly appreciated. The participants included Ci alphabetical order): Mr. hiichael Blumenthal Executive Director Scnp Tire Management Council \Vashington, D.C.

Chief Robert Lamson Pontiac Fire Deparunent Pontiac, Michigan

hlr. Oren Briese, Student Intern International Association of Fire Chiefs Faitfax: Virginia

Chief Donald Marsh Cana Fire Depament Cana, Virginia

Mr. James CouLson Office of the Fire Marshal Toronto, Ontario

Mr. Tony McDowell Intemationnt Associition of Fire Chiefs

hir. James Ddoia US. EPA Ediion, New Jersey

Mr. D o n Rigger US. EPA Adanu, Georgia

Chief D o n Harkins Gainesville F i e Depanmenr Gainesville, Florida

Mr. Edward Schnee Waste Recovery, Inc. Baycown, Texas

Deputy Fire Marshal WaddeU Hill Pierce County Fire Protection District Tacoma, Washington

Deputy Chief Dennis Smith Sacnmento Fire Deparm~ent Sammenro, California

Lt.Gary Homak Pl;meville F i e Protection District Pfaneville. Colorado

Deputy Chief Dean Staberg Lincoln Fire Department Lincoln, Nebraska

Ms. Marian Huber U.S. A m ~ yCorps of Engineers Norfolk, Virginia

Chief Dave Whitaker Lancaster F i e Deparmment Lancaster, Ohio

Chief David ICimball DanviUe Fire Depament Danville, New Hampshire

Dr. Joseph Zelibor, Science Advisor Scnp Tire Mana$!ement Council Washington, D.C.

The service of Consrance Gilmore, Adminismtive Assistant, Scrap Tire Management Council, is also adcnowled~ed.

Initial Action Checklist

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re-incident plans are developed other impomnt consi?lerations. Also included in the pre-fire plans to identify the special considerations and hamrds of a patticu- should be anticipated assignments for Inr sire or properr);so that responding mutual aid companies and organizaunits ill know what to expect and tioml cham specifyiing che anticipated how to proceed during initial opera- controlsectors.The means ofmaintaintions.Pre-plansmustaccommodatethe ing fireground and incident manageagenq~sstandardopentingprocedures ment, whether Incident Command Sysand specie e~actlyhow those proce- tem, or by some ocher means, should dures,are ro be applied should a fire be anticipated and included in the prefire plans. break our at a given location. This chaprer will discuss the folAll scrap tire and rubber products lowing common elemenrs of tire fires storage facilities should be considered that need to be consideredand included high-risk storage sires and pre-planned in the pre-fire plans: accordingly-regardless of die sire's lo1. The anticipated establishment of a cation or the owneis attitudes. function31 incident management Physically includedwid~inthe presystem: to include command and fire plan is inforqation and resource control ofall responders and workmaterial thought to be of possible use ers. to the incident commander. In the case of a tire fire, these resources would 2. Theearlyrecognitionoftirefiresas include maps of the area, information potential hazardous materials on the hydrographic conditions of the (haunar) incidents, wid1 considersoil, water supply contingency plans, ations given to treating them as emergency contacrs and a variety of such.

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Information regarding the site's location, lay-out, size and composition.~lsoinFomationregardinga~cess and egress routes, the physical infnsmcmre of the roads and other "access" considerations. Access to local, state and federal agencies or organizations wid1 environmental and/or emergency management responsibilities. Access ro local and regional contractors with specialized equipment. Information managementplans, to include resource request m c k i n ~ forms. video recording of incident progession and finmcial reimbursa1 requests.

Incident Management Planning 1.1 ~ lfue l incidents should be managed within the guidelines of an incident command system. A complete description of the components and structure ofthevarious commandsystems is beyondthescopeof thisdocument, but is available through the Fire Service Incidenr Management System Consortium and the National Fire Prorection Association. 1.2 A system of personnel accountability must be established and utilized from the earliest stages and continue throughout the duration of the incident.This is panicularly imponantconsidering the number of fue fi$ters and other personnel operating at large tire fires.Funherdiscussionofaccountability is contained within Chapter Five, Health and Safety. 1.3 htutual-aid deparunents and outside agenciesshould be included in the pre-fue planning process. All depanments and personnel operating at the fire should be familiar with the fireground control and accounrability systems. Drills should be conducted to ensure dur all personnel are familiar with their individual roles and responsibilities on the fireground.

Recognition of Hazmat Potential

Site Location, Laysut, Size and Composition

2.1 The pre-fue plans should note that cire rues produce 3 variety of poilutanrs, and although not always toxic, shouidbe regarded with a high indexof suspicion. Since it is recommended that majortire fuesbe hancliedashazardous materials incidents, the pre-fire plans should call for first-responder hazmar precautions and and subsequent activation of department hazmar personnel and resources.

3.1 The exact location and size of the tire srorage yard or dump should be determined. This is often difficult and incompletely performed since many sites are located in remote areasoraccumulate as the result of illegal dumping.

Maps of [he site should be updaredandmadeavailable in the pre-fire plan. Ingressand egress plans for appar a ~ s a n d p e r ~should ~ ~ e be l included. The development of addicionai access 2.2 XIoreinfomauononhamtn1an- poinrsshould beplannedwithrherneans agemenr is conrained in Chapter Five? of mainraining or expanding accisses Health and Safety, and Chapter Seven. provided. The possible locations for a command post and any usable on-site Environmental Concerns. buildings may also be idenrified. 3.2

3.3 Topographical, aerial and soil composition maps should be obtained andup&tedtoshowhy~nrsandwater supply sources, accesses, interior lanes or passages and fuel toad configuti[ions.

3.4 Schools. homes, crops and manspoirntion routes near the site should be identitied as -high risk' esposures and

consideredshouldevacuationorpoliution conuol become necessar).. 3.9 Tile location of any utilities on or near the site should be idenrified so responders can quickly shut off power to electrical or gas linesand prevent the m-oRofcontamimted~~aterinrostorm drains or plumbing systems.

3.6 The condition of roads and accesses should be considered in the prefire plans in order to avoid the common problem of fmt-arriving units becoming stuck in mud or unable to exit a narrow access. The fire deparunent shouldidentifyhow access can be made to remote sites. More information on access roads is contained in Chapter Two: Fire Prevention.

Local, State and Federal Agencies or Organizations

3.7 The composition of the pile should be considered since impomnt

4.1 Pre-fire plans should contain current emergency contacts for all local, state, and federal agencies or organizations with expertise or responsibility in management of environmental disasters. The lists should include phone numbers, facsimile numbers, addresses and radio frequencies if applicable.

differencesexistindevelopingsuppression strategy. Shreddedor 'chip" tire piles present different challenges than whole tires, as would the existence of plastics, metals, refuse or hazardous chemicals/waste. Additionally, die age of die pile and d ~ local e climate may affect the amount of rodent and insect infes~~tion of the particular site.

4.2 Since emergency management structures differacrossstateand county lines, each fire deparunent will have to research its own government structure and laws to deterniine the appropriate agencies to involve. These agencies should participate in: or at least become farnilixr with the pie-fire plans.

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Examplesofconcemedagencies: State and local police Public works agencies State deparunent of emergency n~anagement Federal Emergency Mamgement Agency (FEKA) regional offices Regional, state or fedenl environ-. mental protection agency (EPA) State division of n x u n l resources or state foresu-y agency State fire marshal's office Finance, purchasing and budget agencies

4.4 The pre-fire plans should assign the various government agencies to appropriate sectors in the command system. This will allow for smoother uansition of sector conuol in areas such as

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'environn~enml management" or 'resource managemenr" when those respective experts arrive on scene.

Local and Regional Contractors 5.1 Pre-fire plans should contain uptodate emergency conraw for local and regional companies/organiations with access to heavy equipment or materials useful formanagingscrap tire fues. Companieswirhheavy earth-moving equipmenL froncond loaders, mck excavatorj or mid-size dozers should be identified and contacted for support as pan of the pre-planning effon. 5.2 Other commonly used organizations include: Construction and wood supply companies Equipmentrepairandmainrenance conuactors Fill dirt and gravel conuactors Canteenorfoodsenkesproviders Sanitation or "Pona-John" companies Public and private universities: deparunenrsofecolo~y, environmental engineering, etc: ~oa~dchemicaladditivesmanifaccurers Oil reclamationandclenn-up companies Aerial photogmphy and infrared reconnaissance (sometimes provided by state police or a university) -'

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5.3 Private contractors expected to participate in fue suppression activi-

ties, such as tractoroperators, will need to be trained in the use of fire fighting personal protective clothing and gear, Information Management including selfsontained breathing apand Resource Request panrus. Provisionsshouldalsobemade Tracking for eanh-moving equipment to accommodate SCBA cylinders or other such 6.1 The amount of information,both equipment in a way thatwill not restrict written and oral- that is generated durthe operator. ingapmlongedincidentisoverwhelming - and can cripple the conunand 5.4 The pre-fie plans should a s s i p suucrureif itisnot mamgedeffectively. the various contncrors to appropriate Therefore. an orderly system of idorsectors in the comn~andsystem. This mation mnnagement should be dewill nllon. for more efficient operations signed as part of the pre-fire plans. A in areas such as 'maintenance" or ;re- senior sector of the command system connaissance" when those respective should bededicatedto informationand contractors arrive on scene. The con- resource management. tractors identified in the pre-fie plans should participate inor at least become 6.2 nil requests for major materials, familiar rich those plans. supplies orresourcesshould be coordinated by the Information and Resource hlanagernent Sector. Similarly: all incoming resources and supplies should be reported to the Sector. Wlen anorher sector commander pulls a re'source, notification should be immediately sent to the Resource Management Sector. In turn, the Resource Sector makes available the list of available supplies.

6.3 The mnnaaement of this flow of requesrs and notification ma). be best handled by theuse of nrbon-copy -mckingfom~s.'TheInfomtionandResour~e hlan3gement Officer should have copies of all rncking forms. Ideally this allows for npid tracing of unflled requests and missing mareriais. Afrer the incident, a sysremof resourcetrackingwillbeuirical forrhereimbursalofthefiedeparunentW and all other concerned organizations by feder~land swte agencies.

6.4 Videotaping of the incident should also be included in rhe pre-fie plans. This will allow for post-incident analysis as well as documentation of fire depament activity. Videotaping of requesrs and meetings wirh govemment officials and private parries can only assist in assuring that promised resources are delivered.

he prevention of fue is a primnry T g oaI of bod1 small and large fire depamenrj.Indealingwidistockpiles of scrap tires, prevention is of pnnmount iniponance because of the porential size. environmental impact, duntion and cost of major tire fires. Risk assessment and pre-fue plam may be used by local authorities to develop policies regarding tire storage site maintenance. Accordingly, the site o\meriopentor niay be required to provide necessary on-site resources such as a water supply system, foam or chemical agents, fd1 din and odier nppropriare materials. This chapter iisrs the on-site conditions and preventative requiremenrj all s a p tire storage fzciiiries should have as a baseline. Special attention is given to stonge confi~untionsince a major objective during a fire is to limit the fue spread. Also, since most tire fues are caused by arson, strong emphasis is on site securiry is included.

Each tire storage site will have different characterisrics. and individual cases will require special considerations. This chnpter will discuss die following common elemenrs of fire prevention in tire storage sires: 1.' The on-sirestorage design requirernenrs for nnterials and resources. 2. Site securirj and fue department access into the storage site. 3. Fire department reconnnissnnce and information-gatheringin situations where die site is an illegd dump or the p a m responsible for the storage site is unknown or unrenchable. 4. Determining requiremenrj for warer supply on or near d ~ sire. e 5. lvlaintaining professional and productive working rel~tionshipswith site owner/operators.

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Security and Fire Department A c c e s s 1.1 The perimeter of the facility should have a chain-link fence at least ten feet high with intruder controls on the top (in accordance to applicable local laws). Clearly visible signs with business hours and regulations should be posted near the facility enuance. A qualifiedsecurityatten&ntorsitenianagershouldbeon-sire atall times when the facilin. is open [some sites have developed effective security off-hours by using security dogs]. 1.2 Each tire storage yard or pile should be provided wid1 emer..-"encv, veliicIeaccessroiztes,soch that no portion of the pile is more than 150 feet from anaccess roadorfirebreak. Access routes diroughthe piles should have a clear width of at least 60 feet.

1.3 There should be gates protecring each access point that can be locked when the facility is closed. All gates sho~~lcl have a 20-foot open width and remain unobstructed

atall times.Thegatesshou1d have npid entry design compatible wich f i e depanmentrequirements. Elecuical gates should have default capabilities to the unlockedposition.

1.4 All roads and accesses should be designed to support the loads imposed by f i e fighting fiquipmenr. All bndges andstructures, includingdramagesrructures on access roads, should be capable of carrying a minimum design load of HS-20 per AUFTO "Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges." Access routes should be surfxed with material designed to permit accessibility under all clinutic conditions. 1.5 A11 emergency vehicle accesses shouldhave unobstructedvenicalclearance of 14 feet, or as neededforpassageoflnge fire fighting appanms. t\ rnininiurnmrningradiusof 45 feetshouldbe provided for emergency vehicle access.~lldead-endaccesses in e x e s of 150 feet long should be provided with a turn-around area.

1.6 Accesses should be well-maintained and remain accessible to die fire depamient at all times. '

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S t o r a g e Site Design Requirements

W a t e r Supply Requirements

2.1 T i e piles should be limited to 20 feer in height with a maximum perimeter of 250 feet by 20 feet. The edges of die pile should be at least 50 feet from the perimeterfence,and thatarmshould be clear of debris or vegetation. Since rires tend ro slide down from-the sides of the pile and close off the fire breaks. all interiorfue breaks should be at leasr 60 feet wide.

3.1 When the "olurne of tires in storage exceeds 50,000 cubic feer, a warer supply sufficient to supply 1,000 gdIons per minute (GPM) for six hours should be made available.

2.2 hn area extending 200 feet from dle outside perimeter of the pile(s) should be torally voidof crees, plants or vegeration. All exposures, including buildings. vehicles or flammable materials should be at least 200 feet away from the tire srockpiles. Piles or storage mcks should nor be located near or below power lines. 2.3 Scrap rires should not be stored onwedmds, floodplains, ravines: canyons or on steeply graded surinces. Ideally, the site should be flat wid1 a concrete or hard packed clay surface (not asphalr or grass) designed LO capture and conrain water run-off. 2.4 KO open-air burning should be allowed wirhin 1000 feet of the tire pile and no welding orother heat-generating devices allowed within 200 feet of the pile. Smoking should only be pernutted in designaced arms well clear of the pile. Lightening rods conforming to local and state codes should be placed on the facility, but away from the tire piles.

3.2 If there is a scream, lake or orher body of warer located in the vicinity of the srorage area. fire depamenr dnfting connecrions should be provided in accordance n~itllthe fire depanmenrs response plan.

3.3 All water supply systems should be approved by the responsible local authority (fire mnrshal, fire chief, etc). 3.4 Each fuel-fired vehicle operating at the storage yardshould be equipped with at leasr .one 24,IOBC-rated or higher ponabl; fire extinguisher.

Remote Site Reconnaissance and information Gathering

Relationships with Site Owner/Operators

4.1 &tostlarge tire pilesarelocated in l Many are the prodremote, ~ nareas. uct of years' of ille~aldumping. Since rhese dumps sites are isolated and'out of site" the local fue depanment very often fails ro consider the fue prevention issues that need ro be addressed.

5.1 Asigniftcanrnumberofmajorcire fires have occurred just after steppedup regulatory or code enforcement efforts were initiated againsr the faciliry or property. Nearly all diese fires were attribunble to arson.

4.2 Aerhl photography isvery useful indetem~iningthelocations ofrire piles. However, an on-site inspection n4l be necessary for determining the site's actu31 size. Aerial photos may not reveal [he deptii of the pile, especially if rues have been dumped into a nvine or pit. Photos also may not reveal stretches of tires dumped in forested or wooded areas.

5.2 When approaching the owner/ operator of a scnp tire tire storage or disposal sire, iris strongly advised that effom are made to assure him that the planningand fiepreventioneffom are not necessarily pan of any punitive action or a precursor to legal action.

5.3 Pre-fie planning and fue preven[ion effom should foster a sood workingrelationshipwidid~efacilir);orproperry owners and openrors. Ir is impor4.3 Site inspections and reconnais- tant to have such a relationshipesmbsance should be conducted on a regu- lished. lar basis to determine whether the site is growing in size, to determine the composition of the pile's contents and to record changes in ecologiul and envuomnenml cbangesassociarednrith the pile's existence. 4.4 Fire deparunent inspections and fire prevention records may be useful for persuading public agencies and legal entities that appropriate clean-up requirements mustbeset. Such records mayalso justifyesmblishmgsuchcleanup requirements.

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he responslbllmes of the fust-arriv. ." lngunlt or member to assume conlmand of the incident is a fun~rnenml concept of the Incident Command System. The company officer on the first arriving unit will need to "size-up" the scale of the incident and communicate dle extent of emergency to the dispntcher and other responding units. The oficer'ssize-updirecrs h e inirial operations of the incident and provides the groundwork for developing an effecrive commandsystem. Thesuccess of initial communications, safety. water supply, suppression and prope m conservation efforts will depend on accurate size-up and early coordinatedactions by *e first-arriving unirs. Size-up is an imponant on-going function that does not end until the incident is resolved and fue depanment activities have terminated. This chapter will address rhe following concerns that need to be addressed durins initial size-up:

1. Identification of dangers to civil-

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iens and firefighters at the scene and potenti:d threars to dle local community. The reco~nitionof the f i e as a potential hazmat incident. The extent of fire involvement and irs rate ofspread through'available fuel. Theloationandprosimityofbuildings, uansponarionroutes, utilities or other complicating exposures. Recognitionofinunediate environrnenml concerns. An initinl estimate of the need for additiomlresources,appannannd personnel.

Dangers t o Life Safety

Recognition of t h e Fire as a Hazmat incident

1.1 The first arriving units should de- 2.1 The sceneshould be approached termine whether any threaw to rheir andsized-upasahazn~atincidenr.More ownsaferyevis~Perso~elshouldkeepdetails on this aspect are contained in a safe distance from any scene thought Chapter Five. Health and Safety. to be unsafe because of criminal uespassers orhosrileproperiyowners.F i t respondersalso need to assess the kingers of lit-e wires, hozniar or environmental exposures and orher possible coniplicarions. 1.2 The incident commander should tour of the site's perimeter (if possible) in order to view all angles of the fire, derermine the location and n t e of fire spread, amount of available fuel and the location of exposures. Durins this initial survey, a determination should be made whether any persons have been injured orifanyonear thesire is in danger.

1.3 Nearby homes, commercial buildings or public places should be considered for evacuation depending on rhe amount and direction of the smoke plum. Any area likely to be conncred by direct smoke should be eclcuared as a precaution. Consider closing r o d s ortnnspomtion rouresaffectedbythick smoke.

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Fire Involvement and Rate of Spread

Location and Proximity of Exposures

3.1 During size-up the incident cornmanderneedstodetermined~eamount of fuel actively burning and dle tom1 amount of fuel available. The incident commander will have to estimate the rate of spread in order to decide where fire breaks mAl be cut through the pile.

4.1 After life safety considerations have been addressed, the fire depanment's second priority is property conservation. During the incident commander's initial tour of thesite, d ~ e location and types of e~posuresshould be noted.

3.2 The composition of the pile will 4.2 Buildings, equipment and utiliaffect d ~ erate and direction of fire ties in the proximity ofthe fuewili need spread. Fues occurring inpilesofwhole to be protected by water cumin or tires tend to bum down into the middle duectapplicationofwarerbyfog strem of the pile where pockets of air allow in order to lessen the effects of the for continued combustion. In piles in- intense radiant heat from buminrrrubvolving chipped or shredded ures, the bet. If multiple fire tends to spread over the surface of exposures exist, the pile and then cause surface the incident comcrustation; inhibiting the downward mander will have spread of fue into the pile. to prioritize their importance dur3.3 Attention should be given to the in9 size-uu. Consignificance of burning embers during sideration; of the size-up. Embers of scrap rubber may exposures should include the possible travel considerablediswnces (1/4 miles existence of heavy fue loads, haznrdor more) and must be controlled. ous materials or vital fire fightingequipment (such as water supply pumps, 3.4 During size-up dlt incident com- etc). mander n i l 1 have to determine the accessibility of sections of the pile, and 4.3 The proximity of utilities, overwill have to determine the need to cre- head and below-grade, needs to be ate additional access points. accessed during size up. Service interruptions should be made as necessary, but consideration should be given to the impactsuch intemptionsmay have on existing fue protection systems, phone lines and other utilities.

Immediate Environmental Concerns

Additional Resources, Apparatus and Personnel

5.1 The proximity of wildlands, forestedareas, bodiesofwaterandsimilar natural boundaries should be noted by the incident commander during sizeUP.

6.1 A n inimediate assessment for the

5.2 Given the rural location of many tire piles, d ~ potential e for fire spread into wooded areas is often great. The prevention of heavy brush fire: forest fire or wildland-urban interface fire should be a very high priority. In the case of such fire spread, additional resources wiU be required, drawing from die already strained resources of the local f i e protection agencies.

need for additional resources and the summoning of diose resources should be included in the size-up report. The early notification of allied agencies (as established in the Pre-Fire Plans) will facilitate dieir timely placement into the comrnmd srnlcrure and involvement in the incident.

6.2 An inithl size-up report should be radioed by the incident commander so that other respondins units and the controlling dispatcher undersnnd the extent of the incident. The size-up report should include dle designation of theunifs) on d~escene, a briefdescrip5.3 The potential forrun-off into, and tion of the incident, any safety conpollution of natural resources is a six- c e r n s , briefdescriptionofacuon ~ taken, nificant concern and should be ad- a declaration of strategy, and die locadressed during size-up. If necessary, tion of the command post. immediate effons should be made to contain pollution from the fire and master-stream rumoff.

5.4 The incident cornmander should size-up the potential environmental conseciuences of thefieandbeginnotifying the appropriate agencies as ourlined in the pre-fie plans.

lie organization of fireground corn nand must develop at a pace that stays ahead of the tactical deployment of personnel and resources. In order to manage 3 niajor tire fire rhe incident commandermust be able todirect, control, and track the positions and functions of all operating companies. An intact commandstructure is rhe most effective tool the incident conimander can utilize ro combat a niajor tire fire.Thecomniandsuuctureshould aid the incident commander in: Establishing overall incidenr objecth-es Determining appropriate strateS.i Developing action plans Obuining and assigning resources ~ssigningspecificobjectivesto uctical sectors Predicting outcomes Continually sizing-up the incident and revising plans

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This chapter will address die following issues as they pemin to estnhlishiig control of a major tire fire: 1. Assigning ractical sectors and establishinaa comnzmd post early in the incident. 2. develop in^ effective cornrnunic:itions among fireground units, mutual aid companies and dispatch. 3. Deploying initial suppression resources to 'knock-down" or conwin die fire. 4. Evacuation of civilians who may potentially be in &nger of esposure ro smoke or odier haurdous producrs. 5. Contactins public agencies and privare conmctors, andcoordinxing resources from outside agencies. 6. Coordmtingmurual aid resources and developing accurate sire information

Assignment of Tactical Sectors and Command Post

Development of Communications

1.1 The incident commander will need to sector out the tactical responsibilities of the incident. Experience has s h o w that the following functions should be sectored, if possible, from the earliest sages: Water supply Information and conununications Materials and resources klutual aid and staging Environmental conservation Health and Safety Suppression

2.1 It is vital to the success of the opentionthataneffectivecommunications system be established early in the incident, and utilized by all personnel. Hand-heldandmobiiendioswithdedicated frequencies provide the most effective means of conununications on the fireground;while cellular and fixed telephone and facsimile are useful for rnnnaging infornmion and contactins outside agencies.

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2.2 Ideally, the radio system should match the commancl system, limiting 1.2 A conunand post should be es- radio traffic to the incident commander tablished with appropriate lighting, on one primary channel, while assignphone and radio communications. ing alternate channels to the various ChansormapsoFthefiregmundshould sectors for tactical operations. Personbeposted, with the locationsofappata- nelengagedintiresuppressionorother tus, exposures and water supplies potentially hawrdous activities should clear1ymarked.Personnelaccounabil- remain in direct communication with ity measures should be monitored petsonneloutsideofdieha;.~rdousarea, through the command post. as providedforby the firedepartment's personnel accountabiiity system. 1.3 Thecomandpostshoulda1mays remain accessible and identified, 2.3 h.lutua1 aid companies and outwhether it is located on appanrus or in side agenciessl~ouldbeincluded in the a swcrure. The location of the com- communications swcnire as needed, nrand post should be out of the way, based on dieir deployment n i d ~ i nthe but close enough to allow the incident comnland system. Esrn portable mcommander to vieni of the incideni dios prognmmed to the appropriae frequency(ies) should be made avail1.4 Be prepared to move the com- able to murual aid personnel by the mand post if wind direct shifrs, expos- comunicationsofficer.Radiocomuing personnel to the products of com- nications should be articulated in clear bustion (accunte weather forecasting dialosue C i t e a d of codes) in order to is an asset). avoid confusion.

23

2.4 The incident commander and the communications officer should anticipate the need to expand the communications system as the incidentgrows in size. Manufacturers, rental companies and large public safety organizations may be considered as sources for obtaining exrn radios. Additionally, the need to coordinate phone, facsimile and ndio resources with the Public Information Officer's responsibilities should be anticipated.

Deploying Initial Suppression Resources 3.1 A water slipply capable of providing at least 1,000gallons per minute (gpm) should be esnblished for every 50.000~bicfeet or more ofwhole tires involved. In most areas the remote location of tire storase yards will necessitate usingwater tankers orotherspecinl measures. 3.2 In a major fire, it is unlikely dint initial resources will be sufficient to completely control the fire. In this case the goal of initial suppression operntions n4l be to limit fire spread anti protect exposures. Radiant heat will enhance fie spread and complicate exposure conuol, while limiting the ability of fire fighters to approach the fire with hand lines (13!4 to 2 1/2 inch lines).

3.3 The intense heat created by tire fires, and the bum characteristics of rubber will lessen the effectiveness of direct water applicztion as a cooling or suppression uctic. In general, variable gallonageconstlnt pressurefog nozzles are more effective than solid suemis. Solid streams tend to spn): off the tires without reducing the surface temperatures, andmuse increased run-offwhile depletingnmer supplies morequickly.

3.4 The benefits of master streams and ladder pipes should be weighed against the potential for 'pushing die fire" and the heavy taxation of water

supplies. Ideally, the unburned Fuel should be separated from the pile before, or as soon as, large lines are applied diiecdy ro the burning surface. 3. j Theuseofwettingagentsorfoam additives is controversial, butgenerally considered to be of little immediate value for fighting tire Fies, especially during inirial opentions. The cosrs involved suggest the use of such additives mny beefficient only for exposure conrrol.

Evacuation of Civilians 4.1 Evacuarion of civilians, ns a life safety consideration,should be considered as a highest priority by the incident commander. No suaregy for managing the incident should by-pass evacuation considerations. Since burning tiresare es~remelydifficult to estinguisli, the incident cornmrtnder should nor attempt to "beat the clock' - nmke early evacuations a higher priority. 4.2 Areassubjentoevacurttionshould be anticipated during the pre-fire planning process. Any areas esposed t~ the smoke plum, or subject to such esposure from shifting winds, should be evacuated as a precaution. 4.3 The s u g i n ~locations for emcuees shouldbe identified during die prefire planning process. The rinie needed to conduct the evacuarions in an ordedy mannershould be consideredarid factored into calculations for tnnsportation requiremenrs. Liaison wid1 law enforcement and eniergencypreparedness orgmimtions will be necessary to frtcilitatehii activity. Medical andhe~lth care agencies should also be involvecl ro assist [he elderly, especinlly if the evacuation time is prolonged. 4.4 No evacuees should be allowed to return to the vicin'ity until environmental monitoring has been performed by the appropriate audiorities and the area is deemed safe and habiuble.

5:

Coordinating Public Agencies and Private Contractors Public agencies and private contractors, as identified in the pre-fire plans, should be contacted in the earliest possible srages of the incident. If the resources of a given agency or company are not needed initially, those agencies should still be placed on *snnd-by" since the fire may progress to larger proponions than expected. 5.1

5.2 Agencies or companies should be contacted by the resource sector conunander via phone or facsimile. Notes or recordings should be made to list the specific services each aaency can offer, with an anticipated time of arrival for each item. If possible, each ourside organizationshould be given a specific assignmeng a point of conract and any peninent incident infomiation

prior to dieir arrival on the fireground. If possible, all meetings and uansac[ions with outside representatives should be recorded in order to clarify any conflicts which arise after the incident.

5.3 Private contractors expected to panicipate in fse suppression activities, suchas rnctor operators, will need to be trained in the use of fire fighting personal protective clothing and gear, including self-conrained breadiin~apparatus. Provisionsshouldalsobe made for eanh-movina equipment to accommodate SCBA cylinders or other such equipment ina nqahatwill not resuict the operator.

5.4 The resources or services available from each outside organization should be communicated to the incident commander in a concise and systematic manner. The resource sector will have to "weed out' extraneous information and well-meant but unnecessary conuibutions.

6.4 The mutual aid commander should assign specific tasks to individual mutual aid team, as directed by the incident commander. Each team operating on the fueground should be provided with maps, cham or other 6.1 Thecommandseaorresponsible materials which convey information for coordinating mutual aid companies aboutthesizeandextentofthe fire,and should be established as soon as the indicaten.herecommand, rehab,water call for mutual aid is issued. In the u s e supply and other sectors are located. of large fires the sector commander should anticipate the inRu?cof a great 6.5 Radios or protective equipment number of personnel and resources may need to be distributed to ensure from ocher departments, and realize the mutual aid con~paniesare properiy that mutual aid companies will require prorecredandaccounted for. Considerdirection and management from the ation may be given to assignins one local fire depamient member to each moment they arrive. mutual aid company to improve com6.2 Directions to the incident should munications andcoordinate fireground be marked along the major tnnspom- activities. tion routes for incoming murual aid 6.6 hiutual aid companies may recompanies. S i g ~flaresorothermeans , can be usedeffectivelyforthis purpose. quire food: shelter and rehabilitation A suging area should be established services nearly immediately upon arand cleariy designated; all incoming rival. ConsidenuonsRould begiven by uniu should report to the staging area the mutual aid sector commander to before receiving assignments on the addressing these needs. fireground.

Mutual Aid Resources and Site Information

6.3 All incoming mutual aid comp2nies and outside organizations should be directed to report in to the murual aid sector commander. During sign-in, each company should indicate-on a cliarr-infonation such as: The individual in charge of the group Types ofappantus or equipment The number of personnel Levels of mining How long they wiU commit to the incident Any special needs

.

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i

crap tire fires present a number of uncommon dangers to the health and safer).of f i e fighters, in pan due to rhelack ofexperiencemostfire fighters and fire officers have in dealing with such incidents. The potentidly hamrdous effects of rubberfire emissions, the physical exenion required to fight such fires, the intense heat and the often unsanitaty conditions of dumps all present unique dmgers to fire fighters that need to be recognized as priority health and safety concems. National andlocalsaferystandards suchas thosecontainedNFPA1500and OSHMEPA Rules and Regulations should constitutethe fundamenmi base of f i e depanment safer). operations, andshouldbe applied toall operations, includingd>osecommencingatrirefies. This chapter will discuss the following health and safety concerns in fighring tire fues:

S

1. Understanding the hazardous ele-

2.

3.

4.

5.

menu of scrap tire bum emissions and h e appropriate development of hnzmat procedures. Establishing appropriate levels of protection for personnel operating on d ~ fieground. e Rehabilitation and rotaion of personnel and main~liningaccountability of all men~bers. Safe procedures for use and maintenance of fire fighting and e:irihmoving equipment. Recognizing the dangers posed by snxkes, rodents and insects living in tire and rubber dumps.

Hazardous Emissions and Hazmat Procedures

zene (anotherknownnrcinogen), with concentrations often exceeding 1 part per million (ppm). Additional dicussion of the bum chancteristics are presented in Chapter Seven, Environmental Concern.

1.1 As the tire f i e grows in intensity, it generates higher tenipentures and voluminous amounts of thick, black acrid smoke. The plume (smoke column) mny become even more dense due to the accumulation of hydronrbon p001j.

1.2 Rubber has a heating value of

1.4 Given the potential health and safety dangers of tire fires: the incident commander should enact all appropriarehamat procedures, to includesealing off the areas with well-marked hot; warmandcool zones. Each zoneshould be dearly marked with fire-line tape. cones or other highly visible means. Personnel entering the hot zone should be equippedwithappropriare person31 protective gear, as described in the following section.

15,000Bru per pound, which is similar to petroleum. However,as combustion becomes less complete, the amount of organics emined tends to increase.This suggesrj that smouldering tires may present more danger dun those fully 1.5 Sanimtionfacilities(soap and water) should be provided fordeconwniiinvolved. nation of personnel exiting die hot and 1.3 Studies of tire fires have ldmti- warmzones.Soakedorheavilyesposed fied the emission of significant quanti- gear should be dropped by f i e fighters ties of bezo(a)pyrene, a reported n r - inrhe warm zone and decontarninnted cinogen, and high emissions of other before re-use. noxious compounds, particularly ben-

..........

- ......-

....

. . .

.

.

'Zubber has a heating .ua(ue o f 15,0#:3tu . perpound. . . . . . . . . -which3simdar to pet .

...............

..

-. -

." . .

Establishing Appropriate Levels of Protection

Rehabilitation, Rotation and Accountability of Personnel

2.1 Personalprotectivecloih'~~g(~rn3.1 Personnel operating on the fireour gear) and self-contained breathing gmund should be accounted for at all app&rus (SCBA) meeting NFPA sun- times by command. All personnelshould dards should be worn by all personnel be nlonitored for exposure times, time working in or evposed to the products on task and last period of rest. It is of combustion. All non-fire depamenr advisable for the incident commander personnelsimilarly exposedto the prod- to assign safety officers early in the inciucts of conibustionshould be provided dent to monitor these and other areas. with ~ r n - o u gear r and SCBA, and the appropriate mining required to use 3.2 prolonged t i e fues will require a great deal of physical exertion on bethat gear. half of the fire fi.ghters. Therefore, per2.2 Respiratory equipment for heavy sonnel should be regularly rotated with machine operarorsshouldhe provided. only limited work time in the hot ?one. This may be best accomplished by af- This amount of time should be based f ~ ~ ibnckets ng in thecab of the vehicles on die hazardous products risk and task to be performed. Personnel should for holding air cylinders. then be assigned to a rest and rehabili2.3 If it rains during the incident. iris tation sector where food, water and likely thar a 'black nin" will cover per- medical evaluations are available. sonnel and equipment below the area ' con- 3.3 Command should regularly roof the smoke plum. Since this ITtn rains potentially hazardous orpnic ute and relieve personnel, and lunir compoiuids from the smoke, full turn- operational time of personnel at the out clothing should be worn by all incidentscene. During the briefing propersonnel. Decontaminationofperson- cess, specific rotation time lines should nel and equipment fmm this residual be given; this aids in scheduling, rehashould be a health and safety priorin;. biliution and healdl (environnienral) monitoring.

3.4 tn many past incidents the first respondins fue fighters mere volunteers, with regular jobs and other commitments that limited the ability of the fire depament to maintain the staffing levels neededrodevelop rotaringshifis. E m assistance may be needed, but in

no case should the health and safety of fire fighters be risked by under-staffing particular tasks or skipping proper rest and rehabilitation.

4:

U s e and Maintenance of Equipment 4.1

Mostequipment,indudiingSCB.\

shouldbedecontaminatedaherremoval from the hot zone and before re-use. Although on-site cleaning of rurn-out gear is not usually necessary (unless thegearissoakedorheavily soiledwith residual), all gear used during the fire should be professionally cleaned after the incident and before storage in rhe fire station or private residences.

4.2 hlultiple sets of Nm-out gear and equipment, including SCBA, should be provided ro replace equipment that becomes soaked.contaminatedorothemise rendered nor appropri~tefor service.

4.3 Respiraton.equipmenr for heavy machine operators shouldbe provided. This may be best accomplished by afflying brackets in the cab ofthe vehicles for holding air cylinders.

4.4 Safe operating zones around the paths of hen\$ equipmenrand machinery should be provided; a guide person on the pound and radio communiutions with operators is useful.

4.5 Dangerous conditions (ie; working in the proximity of moving equipment, rripping hazards from wire rings, unstable footing) on the scene dictate that operations be conducted with adequate visibility; if lighting cannot be providedduringdarkness. serious considerationshould be given to suspending night operations.

31

5: Snakes, Rodents and Insects 5.1 Scrap tire piles are breeding

rounds for millions of mosquiros, rodents andsnakes. Personnel may need special prorection from fleeing rodents and repriles or insecrs. Food prepxration facilities should be enclosed.

fire suppression tac '.Convenuonal . ucs are notcompletely effectivein -

1:

'

scrap tire fires. It is difficultto reach all Tactics and Strategy the burning surfaces, and dle unique shspe of tires allows the storage of enough air to support combustion 1.1 ~rnajorobjectirewillbetosepathroughout the pile. Because of these rate the unburned Fuel (tires) from the complications tire fires can burn for burningfuell let h a t which is burnins weeks, and even months despite ag- burn as freely as possible while congressive fire suppression tacrics. tinuing efforts to separate fuel from the The environmental consequences fire. Ctilization of entrained air m y be of all suppression techniques Should helpful in ensuring a more complete beevduatedcarefuUy.Communi~tions combustion procw, though it is unb e m e n the intident commander and rested 3%present. Establishment of an on-scene environmental speaalisrs is conuol poinr to stop fire critical. spread is an imponant suatep. This chapter sill discuss the fol1.2 Theuse ofheavy equipmentsuch lowing fire suppression issues: 1. Tactics and strategy. as front-end loaders: mck excavnton 2. Protectionof e~posures,indudig (CAT 225 long-reach boom) and out-buildings, unburned tires and mid-size buudozen are necessary in fire fighting equipment. gaining access and removingunburned 3. Reconnaissanceof "hotspots" and tires from the pile. Burning seaions of fire spread during the i n d e n t . rubber can be pulled off the pile, isolated and effectively extinguished us-

33

1.7 In many cases the only effective means ofmanaging majortire firesisby smothering the burning portions with dinorfdlmatmal.However, evenwhen 1.3 The intense heat created by tire com~letelvcovered. it is estimated tire fires, and the bum characteristics of fires can continue to smoulder deep in rubber niU l w e n the effectiveness of thebase ofthepileforweeks,requin'ng dienwarer application asa cooling or continued observation and environsuppression tactic However, once the mental monitoring. decision is made to mount a conventional n-ater-attack on the fire, variable 1.8 It may be necessary to aeate fire gallonage - constant pressure fog breaks and alternative access points nozzles are more effective than solid into the storage area and rhrough the pile. Fire b r e ~ kshould s be cleared to a stream. width of at l e s t 60 feet, and if high 1.4 Solidsueamstend tospray offche wind is a factor lane widths should be tires without reduang the surface tem- increased nccordingly. peratures: and cause inaeased run-off while depleting water supplies more 1.9 Fire fighters operating atop the quickly. Theuse ofair rankersforwater pile should be provided stable platandremrdantdrops havenotproven to forms on which to stand, since the piles tend tobeunstable.Wooden pallers are be of any significant value. light-weight. eu). to obnin and work 1.5 The benefits of master sueams well for this purpose. It may also be and ladder pipes should be weighed feasible to mountmonitor linestoheavy against the potential for "pushing the pallets. fire" and the heavy taxation of water supplies. Ideally, the unburned fuel should be separated from the pile before, or as soon as, large lines are applied direcdy to the burning surface. The fire should be attadied from the windward side.

inghandlinesseton fog pattern- orcan be submerged in a large drop tank or depression filled with water.

1.6 Theuse ofwetringagentsor foam additives is conuoversial,bur generally considered to be of little immediate value for fighring &e fires. The costs involved suggest the use of such additives may be efficientonly for exposure conuol.

Protection of Exposures 2.1 Buildings, equipment and other exposures should be protected with direct application of water, possibly mixed with foam or other water additives. Fo$ panems use less water, resulting in less run-off and reducing potential soil contamination.

Reconnaissance of "Hot Spots" and Fire Spread 3.1' Since size-up will continue

rhroughout the incident, accurate informationg a t h e ~ g iessential. s Owing to the size ofsome tire piles, the ability offire fighters to gauge the amount and locationoffiieusingconventiondmethods is severely limited.

2.2 Equipmentoperating in the prosimity of the fire or in avenues of fire

3.2 It may be very difficult for the spread should be protected nirh hose incident commander to gauge the fire's lines. Appropriatesizewreckersshould location, rate of spread and estension alsobenear-by to quidtly remorestuck within the pile. The most effective way of tracking "hot spors' is aerial reconappararus or heavy machinery. naissmce and photognphy,usingboth regular and infra-red (IR) film. IR film will show hot spors below the surface ofthe pileandbelow the corerofdin or fill mterial. Aerial photos also make exellent maps for suppression and conuol sectors.

3.3 Fire depanment reconnaissance effow should also include monitoring ofenvironmental exposures, including pollurion ofwaterandsoi! nearthesite. Weather conditions and forecasts should~lsobemonitoredbycommand to anticipate problems associated with wind, extreme temperacures and rain.

Ire deparunenrs are playing an in F creasingly greater role in the protection

cials'recommendationsintheformulation of operauond plans. oftheenvironmenthoughhazThis chapterwill highlight d~e'folardous materials emergency response lowing issues environmental concerns andcon~oloperations.Scraptirepi1es~ that the incident commander should both before and after a fire, generally consider in deciding on courses of achave notbeen categorized asa hazard- tion or in implementins operational ous material. though they do present a plans: h e a t to the environment- particularly 1. What happens when a tire bums when being pyrolitically decomposed 2. Tire composition and decomposi&rough fire. tion products It is important to involve envuon- 3. Scrap tire pile bum ch~racteristics mental protection officialsin all phases 4. Environmentalpriorities of the fire depanment of b e department operations - planning and emergency operations - so that their expert advice can be considered by f u e ~ o u n commanders d as decisions aremadeon themanagement of the incident. It is imporunt to remember that the residual producrs from the fire become the concern, and often become the responsibility of scare and federal environmencalproteaion agencies. Iris therefore appropriate to seek out and carefully consider h o s e offi'

36

What Happens When a Tire Burns 1.1 Scrap tiresarenotsubjenrospontaneous combustion. Under high temperamre and controlled conhitions foundin certain indusuial furnacesand boilers (cement kilns, paper and pulp miiis and coal-fired utilities) complere combustion of scrap tires produceuseful energy, oxidesof carbon,sulfurand Conniuogen, nrater,andinertresidues. versely: uncontrolled burning of tire, such as in 'open field scrap tire pile fires produces incomplete.combustion products and the release of dense smoke, a wide range of pyrolytic hydrocarbons and ash residues rhar can pose environmental and human healrh concerns.

Tire Composition and Decomposition Products 2.1 Tires composiuonvarieswith the typeandnunufac~rerbuttypicaUycont~i~namnlandsynthetic~bbe~~o1ymers, oil, fillers, sulfur and sulfur compounds, phenolic resin, day, aromatic, naphrhenic and paraifinic oil, fabric, petroleumwaues, pigmentssuchas zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, carbon bladi, fatty adds, inerr materials and fiber made from steel, nylon, polyester or rayon. 2.2 A wide variety of decomposition

produccs are generated durincg scrap tire fires. Many of the decomposition products have been characterized in testburns andindude ash(ufoon, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, silicon diox1.2 Analyses of emissions, oil ~ n o f f ides, etc.), sulfur compounds (carbon and ash from scrap tire pile fires have disulfide,sulfur dioxide, hydrogensulbeen reported for a number of scrap fide), pol~nucleararomatic hydrocartire pile firesites. Reports ofsomescrap bonsusuallydetectedin oil runoff(such tire fire episodes may be obtained from as benzo(a)ppene, chrysene, the Scrap Tire Management Coundl .benzo(a)anthracene, etc), aromxic: and U.S. Environmental Protection naphthenic and parafiinic oils, oxides of carbon and nitrogen: parricul3tes Agency. as well as other sources. andvarious aromatic hydrocarbons in1.3 Generally, the cost of recovery duding toluene, .ylene_benzene. etc. after a scrap tire pile fire episode is These decomposition products 3re exextremely high and argues favorably tensive and varied depending on 3 vafor fire prevention measures and ap- riety of factors such as Lire w e , burn propriarescrap cirestoragestandardsto rate, pilesize, ambienttempenrureand minimize the risk to fire fighters and humidity, among orhen. adversehuman healthandenvimnmental effects.

Scrap Tire Pile Burn Characteristics 3.1 S a a p riie pile bum characteristics has been smdied and can be divided into stages such as ignition and propagarion, compression,equilibrium and pyrolysis.

the fire has litde forward pressure and no downward pressure as most of the heatis being absorbed by thesurrounding tires. In large piles the propagation effect is accelerated after the fist ten minutes toapproximatelyone-halftime.

3.5 Compression P l ~ m e After : the first several minutes of the fire, the top layers of tires collapse into suips (some ofrhe tires areshreddingand a few lose their round shape and begin to flatten 3.2 Ignition a n d P r o p a g a t i o n out). This is the beginning of the tire Stage: Scrap tire piles require an pile compression effecr During his accelerant to aeate enough sustained phase and spread of the fire, the heat heat in order to emitflammzble vapors. andsmokeeffectinaeasedclmaticaliy. is According to the laws of combustion Open flaming and forward pre-re for solids, solids must pass through a produced (the tires are converting into liquid to gas phase prior to open flame flammable gas at a much higher rate occurrence. Scrap tires do not readily resulting in increasing radiant heat show this liquid to gas phasing during flow). As the tire pile fire grows in their decomposition. In the open air: intensity, it generates higher temperascrap tires decompose and f o m flam- tures and roiuminous amounts of mable vapors at temperanires around smoke. Smokefromthe unburnedprod538' C. ucts of combustion is the greatest durins rhis phase. 3.3 Once a s a a p tire pile has gzined an open flame front and elevated tem- 3.6 A greater potential for hrmful peratures are applied to a fairly large organic emissions exist at lower bum area with constant radiant heat flow, rates. Although it is difficult to isolate tires not acmally in the open flame consistent trends in the types and snge decomposeat a fairly rapid race at amounts of s p e c i k volatile organic temperanires as low as 210' C. Thus, compounds fomedduring combustion those tires direcdy in the path of the of s a a p tires under varied burn rates, radiant heat flow decompose at3 fmer rhe potentially h d u l products of inrate than those upwind of the open complete combustion emitted into the flame. atmosphere are mainly polyaromatic hydrocarbons. In general, as the burn 3.4 Once ignited, a tire pile initially rate increases, the amount of CO, SO. propagates at abouttwosquare feetper and unburned hydrocarbons also inminute to a deprh of about two cubic creases. As the bum rate decreases, the feet every five minutes, all in the wind- amount of organics potentially emitted nard direction. Duringrhisinicid phase, tends to increase with respect to the

amount of tire material combusted.

putisapproximately 60 Bus persquare foot per minute.

3.7 The US. Enviro~lentLdProtection Agency examined emissions from 3.10 In large high-piled tires it is imsimulated open burning of scrap tires. portant to be aware that within thirty During high bum rates, more than 50 minutes to one hour these piles will potentially harmFul organiccompounds s u n to collapse in on themselves. In a n beidentifiedinrestburn emissions. low piles, the tendency is to conven Mostofthecompoundsarealiphatica~ly, muchofthefuelwirhinthefirsthour,so olefinically oracerylenicallysubstintted the sequence, fire effect and remperaaromatics. Cyclic and chained alkanes, ntre are different in large collapsing alkenes, dienes as well as sulfonated, tire piles the sintation changes over niuogenated compounds, rhiophene, time. substituted thiophenes, isocyanobenzene and benzodiazine are also 3.11 Sever31hoursafter the firestansa visible collapse ofthe pilebegins. Comidentified. pression causes the open fame to slow 3.8 Resulrs of the EPA study show as the internal portion of the fire rereasonableagreementwithcompounds ceives less air. The pile continues to wereideniifiedinacntalplumesamples. collapse building downward pressure In general, elevated levels of CO, par- and continuing to form a semi-solid ticulates, carbon, zinc, benzene, tolu- mass of rubber, cord and steel. At the ene, xylene and polyaromatic hydro- same time: an equilibrium is srming to carbons are measured. Polynucleararo- occur. matic hydrocarbons may include naphthalene, benzo(a)pyreae, pyrene, 3.12 Eq~rilibn.um and P y r o l y s i s crysene, fluorene, anthracene and Stage The fire takes on an appearance phenanthrene. Merals in plumes con- oflow open flame, deep seatedintemal fire nith a top coating of ash. The f i e sist primarily of lead, iron and zinc. has taken on 3 chemical equilibrium or 3.9 In very hrge tire piles, the initial it has reacheda level offuel conversion compressionstageis the timewhen the approximately equal to the amount of surrounding air cannot quickly absorb fuel: heat and oxygen available. The the heatflowfromthefire.Atihis point temperature internally increase up to there is very little d o m v a r d pressure. 11W C and eventually will read1 iGO The tire fire is basically an open breath- BNS per square foot per minute. ing fire nith uneven and incomplete combustion. The heat outpur in BlXs 3.13 Initiallythepilehasabout60Brus per square foot is relatively ION be- per square foot, even on high piles, cause the fire is not very deep seated however, even though the pile has col(most ofthe tiresare stiU in a doughnut lapsed inward and decreased in depth shape). The actual temperature is near the overall heat that must b e removed the ignition temperantre and heat out- for extinguishment is now greater.

Based on 460 Btus per square foot per cyanide and polynuclear aron~atichyminute, the rate of heat removal re- drocarbons.Surfacewaterandgroundquired has not increased to 5520 per waternearthetire firesitemaybecome cubic foot of deep seated fire. T i e fires contaminated with benzene, toluene in this stage consume their fuel much and xylene as well as zinc, phenol, more slowly and completely. ammonia and other compounds.

3.15 The downward p r w u r e pushes oil out of the fire and possibly into the ground, waterandotherareas depending on the location of the fire. Large amouncs of pyrolytic oil can be produced during a scrap tire pile fire depending on the bum channeristics and amountofwesin thepile. Theextentof environmental damage will vary and depends upon many environmental such as soil characteristics and type. permeability, levelofwatercolumn etc. The reader is encouraged to consult the US. EnvironmentalProtection Agency for detailed information on steps that can be taken to minimize the adverse effecrs to the environment. stituenrs found in the oil, steps should betakentoco~eaoil~noff andhanded as a hazardous waste oil. Analysis of oil samples collected from the s u a p tire pile fire sites vary but typically reveal the presence of heavy metals (arsenic: cadmium. chromium, lead) and polynudear aromatichydrowbons (naphthalene. acenaphthylene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluroanthene, pyrene, c,hrsene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo (a)anthracene).

3.17 Conmninatemn-offwaterdueto the fire fighting and rain should be contained and treated. Water mnoff s m p l e analysis shows heavy metals,

3.18 TueresidueconrainpmiaUy combusredtires, ash,steelandthousands of individual chemial compounds. h analysis of residues from some tire fire siteshasre~~ealedthepresenceofhm~-)metalsandorganicsindudingbenzene, styrene, toluene, xylene, and p o l p aromatic hydrocarbons. The residue should be evaluated to determine appropriate disposal procedures. Of the environmental considerations should betheleachingofchemical compounds that can-potentially contaminate soil. and ground nater.

3.19 As the fire burns icself out. the high pilesshow an marked decrease in fire propagation at the edges nith decreasing temperatures while internally the temperatures remain very high. If the fireis opened it become hzzardous with high emission rate of fire gasses which flash up at high speed when involved with increase oxygen.

The Enviwnmental Role of the Fire Department

dike. Hydrocarbons (oil) can be skimmed off runoff and the residual water recycled for use on the incident

4.5

There will be great concern over the polluting of the air primarily due to 4.1 Early notificationofenvironmen- the highly visible, thick, black smoke tal protection agencies at theloca1,state plume from the fire. Thisis ashorr term and federal levels is critical. Risk com- problem. Thelonger term problems are munication and threat assessments in groundwater, surface water and soil should be coordinated between Contamination. fireground commanders and environmentalspeciaiisrs.Theinput from these 4.6 Some state: and most federal enofficials should be sought in develop- vironmental protection ageno; repreing strategic and tactical alternatives sentatives have pre-authorized spending authorityto mitigate environrnentnl and determining operational plans. damage (for example, ESEPA h s a 4.2 Environmental contamination method to reimburselocalgovemmenis must be monitored for groundwater, that respond to tire fire incidenrs,up to surface water, soil and air conumina- S25,OM) for each incident). tion or poliution. The results of this monitoring data should aid command- 4.7 State and federal EPA officeshave ers in making decisions on evacuation. environmental waste recover). and rediking and possible neutralization of moval firms onreuiners which they are contaminants. Generally,environmen- authorized to summon to assist at incital agency personnel have the capabil- dents of his type. They can signifiity or a n acquire the capability to ini- cantly reduce the costs to local govemtiate such monitoring or sampling and ments through cost avoidance and the interpret the data from suchprocesses. early deployment of specidired resources. 4.3 Changingdimaticconditionswill significandy affect environmenLa1 considerations. Iris therefore important to monitor ambient conditions on and around the incident site.

4.4 Containment and diking of runoff may be importanr There are a variety of containmentsystems that can be deployed with speed at the scene. In oneinddentthefue deppanmemstacked columns of tires alongside each other, covered with tarps and soil to form a

ode1 incident management systerns call for the designation of a publicinformationofficer(PI0)orincident informtion officer (IIO) whose duties and responsibilities are well defined. These designatedofficersformulate and release information about the incident to the news media and other appropriateagenciesandorganiutions. AS a member ofthe command snff. the PI0 or 110 closely coordinates the release of information with the incidenr commander. The size, high-visibility and widespread efiecr major scrap tire fires have on local communities often rums them into significant media events with n3tional coverage. The proper management of the media is importmr both in building a positive image for the fire department and its opentions at the incident and minimizing the impacr on operaring forces of reporters on the scene.

M

This chapter will address the iollowing considerations in managing incident informxion dissemination: 1. Developing an information disuibution system 2. Responding to the needs of reponers and press.

1:

Developing an information Distribution System

1.1 . A PI0 or I10 should be desig-

nated in the earliest stages of che incil dent. Prwsragingareasshould be designated and communicatedto communications centerperso~e1,lawenforcement agencies and subordinate commanders so media personnel can be diverted or escorted to that specific am. 1.2 Adequate support staff for the information officersshouldbemainrained as the incident gronrs. 'Hot lines" or sep3rare tdephone lines should be established early in the incident for both themedia andmembers ofthe public to call for information about the incident, to clarify eracuation insuuctions. etc.

Such "hot lines' will gready relieve the communications center personnel of rhe added burden presented by thousands of calls for information. These numbers should be well publicized.

1.3 Information should be prepared in advance of the intident and be appropriatelyreleased as theincident unfolds.Whenrhese incidencsevrendinto da)-;orweeks.arotationplanwi1lneed to be established for information officers to ensure continuity in the management of the media. It will be necessar). to disuibure information on the StaNS of regulatoy. code enforcement and h a m d abatement activities by local or state governments, as media interest nil1quickly focus on that aspect. Interviewswith local publicoffiuals should be coordinated by the information officer: and special briefings should be given to the local official by the information officer prior to the interview.

intervals to reduce the barrage of requests for interviews and information. Responding t o Reporters ThePIO should be mrhful and honest in all releases andstatements IfthePIO and the Press does not have an answer, thar should be stated and an answer obtained as 2.1 Formal aedentialing and identi- soon aspossible.ThePIOshou1davoid fication ar the local level may be of saying "no comment." assistance in limiting the numbers of media personnel who will be given 2.4 Photo and video oppormnities should be provided regularly formemescorted access ro the scene. bers of the media. All uips inro and our 2.2 ThePIOshould be awareof pub- of theinadenr operational area should lication and production deadlines of be fully escorred by the information the media providing coverage and ar- officer and law enforcement. range briefings ro accommodate their needs as much as possible. Media per- 2.5 The PI0 should respond ro and sonnel may also require access to rele- dispel rumor and innuendo; the fire phones and information on local ac- departmenr should follow up taped or commodations whilecovering theinci- live inrerviewwith a wrirrensratement dent. of the actual facts of the simatiqn. All fire department command personnel 2.3 \Trinen press releases should be shouldmaintain a positive, professions1 prepared and distributed. Briefings demeanor, especially in the presence should be given at regular publicized of the press.

Standard For Storage Of Rubber Tires, NFPA 23 ID, National Fire Protection Association, 1989. Scrao Tires ...Understanding the Challenge, the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Corporate Environmental, Safety and Health Division, 1990. Fire Command, Alan V. Brunacini, National Fire Protection Association, 1985. Incident Management Svstem, first draft and "model", Fire Service Incident Management System Consortium, Volunteer Fiemen's Insurance Services, Inc. 1991. "Fiefighter Passport Accountability System," published manuscript for the Phoenix Fire Department ICS Seminar, 1991 by Seattle, WA Fire Department. Fire Protection Handbook, 17th Edition, National Fire Protection Association, 1991. Field Ooerations Guide CICS-420-11 Incident Command System Publication, Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University, 1983. "Characterization of Emissions From the Simulated Open Burning of Scrap Tires," J e 5 y V. Ryan, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Technical Information Service, 1990. Ontario Fire Code. 0-Ree: 281190. Regulations made under the Fire Marshals Act NIOSH. Rhhehart Tire Fire, Winchester, Virginia. Health Hazard Evaluation Report. HETA 84-044-1441, March 1984. Roy F. Weston, Inc. T i e F i e Investigation, Everett, Washington. TAT Activities Report. TDD 10-8410-07. October 1984. USEPA "Characterization of Emissions from the Simulated Open Burning of Scrap Tires." EPN600IS2-891054. January 1990. Socha, AC. "Background Information on Benzene, PAHs, Dioxins and Furans and Review of the Potential Health Risks Associated with the "Tyre King" Fire." Ontario Ministry of the Environment. March 1990. The Goodyear T i e & Rubber Company. "Scrap Tires...Understanding the Challenge." Corporate Environmental, Safety and Health Division. Akron, OH. 1990.

Environmental Sciences International, Inc. "The Science of Tire Fires Prevention and Recovely Measures." Section 1. The Science of Tire Fires. Technical Bulletin Number Seven. Glouchester, MA.

For more information, contact the IAFC or the STMC: International Association of Fire Chiefs

The Scrap Tire Management Council

Management Information Center 4025 Fair Ridge Drive Fairfax. Virginia 220332868

1400 K Street, N.W. Suite 900 Washington, DC 20005

(703) 273-091 1 ext. 332 FAX (703) 273-9363

(202) 408-7781 FAX (202) 682-4854

For more information, contact the IAFC or the STMC: International Association of Fire Chiefs

The Scrap Tire Management Council

Management information Center 4025 Fair Ridge Drive Fairfax. Virginia 220332868

1400 K Street, N.W. Suite 900 Washington. DC 20005

(703) 273-091 1 ext. 332 FAX (703) 273-9363

(202) 408-7781 FAX (202) 682-4854