Ethanol Fire Tests Planned

In order to document the challenges that face first responders in handling ethanol fires and spills, a special organization called the United States Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition was formed. The organizations involved are the IAFC, Ansul Fire Protection, Independent Liquid Terminals Association, Virginia Department of Emergency Response, Williams Fire & Hazard Control and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The organization is going to conduct some live fire tests of differing types of foams on ethanol fuel fires. The objective is to document that certain types of foams will not work on ethanol fire and which foams are capable of controlling these fires. Upon conclusion of the fire test in early 2007, a white paper will be produced on the results. From that a first responder training program will be developed and disseminated across the country to all fire departments.

For information on the fire tests and the program, contact Tim Butters of the IAFC, Haz Mat Section at tbutters@fairfaxva.gov or David White of Industrial Fire World at davidw@fireworld.com