Truck Fire with Magnesium Explosion

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The early morning of August 11th, 2010 at around 1:15 am the Atwell Fire Department received a report of a vehicle on fire on Joy Hill Road in the southwestern part of Rowan County North Carolina. Chief Barlow responded with his son Brent and upon arrival found the Dodge Ram pickup truck engine compartment and cab area fully involved. Engine 401 arrived a few minutes later and the attack line and backup lines were extended and charged. Brent Barlow had the nozzle and there were two others on the line as backup.

As water is applied to the drivers side dash area there was a fairly nice Magnesium Explosion. Remember, Magnesium burns at ~4000 degrees Farenheit and uses the oxygen and the hydrogen in the water to continue the burning process. Remember, we issue quality turnout gear and SCBA for just this type of thing. All personnel were wearing and using full PPE and SCBA. Many vehicles on the road today use magnesium u-joints in the steering shaft assemblies to assist the steering column with breaking away as a safety feature.

Remember, to Always evaluate "Risk vs. Gain"

&
Always wear all of your PPE and use SCBA

Be Safe out There!
Chief Barlow