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Fires Involving Petroleum
The photograph shown here might be of interest to readers of 'The Bulletin', as it shows most vividly the effect of a small fire on certain types of plastic fuel ·tanks. The fire started in the carburettor of the motor cycle and heat from the fire very quickly caused the fuel tank to disintegrate allowing the contents to escape. This incident occurred very close to a Fire Station, and the Brigade was called immediately. Had this not been the case I am sure more damage would have been caused. Chief Fire Officer, Teesside. H. JOHNSON, O.B.E.
FIRES INVOLVING PETROLEUM SPIRIT
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A series of demonstmtions have been given by members of the City of Coventry Fire Brigade to Petroleum Station Forecourt Attendants and Garage Staff generally. Due to the success these demonstrations a further series is being arranged durmg October for Industry and Local Authority Departments. Over 300 acceptances have already been received.
It is essential that personnel concerned with the handling of petroleum spirit should be aware of the need for constant care and vigilance and should a fire occur, be aware of the hazards involved, and the correct procedures to be adopted. With this in mind the demonstr-ations show a number of small spillage fires which could occur on garage forecourts, and the use of which have "to be available by legislation. All the 'incidents except the final one are of such a nature that they could be effecVively dealt with by Ithe attendants and garage staff if they used the extinguishers promptly and efficiently. The final item on the programme simulates a rapid fire spread and fire development should an incident get out of hand, with the serious consequences to vehicles, premises and persons. This is extinguished by Brigade personnel using foam making equipment.
The whole exercise is to promote confidence and to impart an element of knowledge and expertise under controlled conditions to enable attendants to be bette·r prepared to deal with a dangerous fire situation on their forecourt should the need arise.
