Fighting fire with foam

There are a variety of foam application techniques, foam types and application methods that are most effective in extinguishing an ethanol fire.

Responding to ethanol related incidents is slightly different from responding to incidents involving gasoline. Because ethanol fuel mixes with water versus floating on the surface as gasoline does, it would take at least 80% water to dilute ethanol enough to keep it from burning. In order to tell the difference between ethanol fires and gasoline fires, first responders should familiarize themselves with the physical characteristics of each fuel so they are able to respond to each incident effectively. The easiest way to tell the difference between an ethanol fire and a gasoline fire is the color of the flame, or the amount of smoke produced by the fire. Relating to its cleaner burning properties, an ethanol fire burning, such as a fuel containing 15 percent ethanol or higher, tends to be smokeless, which is physically much different from a gasoline fire which produces large amounts of black smoke.

The Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition (EERC) has put together the Complete Training Guide to Ethanol Emergency Response toolkit in order to prepare emergency responders for ethanol related emergencies. The video, Responding to Ethanol Related Incidents, shows that the most effective route for keeping an ethanol fire under control is the use Alcohol Resistant foam, more commonly known as AR-AFFF. This foam contains a special polymer which creates a barrier between the foam and fuel which forms a cohesive blanket to extinguish the fire. This foam blanket not only helps manage the fire, it will also keep other spills from catching, prevents any re-ignition and can provide post fire security. Because the AR foam is universally suitable for use on both ethanol and non-ethanol blended fires, the EERC recommends that first responders keep an AR foam readily available for over the road incidents. There are a variety of foam application techniques, foam types and application methods that are most effective in extinguishing an ethanol fire. Just as with all fire fighting foams, the application of AR types of foam takes skill and practice; therefore, it is essential for first responders to participate in regular foam and ethanol emergency response training in order to successfully extinguish an ethanol fire.

Another great resource in the EERC toolkit is a collection of fuel safety information such as placarding recommendations and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The MSDS includes very useful information for first responders including fuel chemical properties and general response information. In addition to protecting their communities from ethanol related emergencies, first responders must also protect themselves from injury by wearing the proper protective equipment.

This includes an ANSI (American National Standard Institute) standard helmet with a face shield and protective eyewear, a protective hood, turnout coat and pants, gloves, boots and a self contained breathing apparatus.

The EERC has also contributed to the Ethanol Response Considerations video, which gives information about ethanol, characteristics of ethanol fires, safety precautions and how to appropriately and effectively contain and extinguish them. These two videos are part of the Complete Training Guide toolkit along with an instructor’s guide, interactive workshops and seven modules and PowerPoint presentations, each focusing on a specific and important aspect of ethanol response. Guidelines are also given for fire departments and first responders that have ethanol production facilities in their communities.

Being fully prepared for an ethanol related incident requires time and proper training for first responders. Despite all efforts to prevent accidents, there is the possibility of one happening, and it is essential that the first responders act immediately to the ethanol emergency incident as fully prepared as possible to deal with the situation. For more information about the Complete Training Guide to Ethanol Emergency Response, and other activities of the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition, visit www.ethanolresponse.com.