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Tire Explosion During Equipment Fire - Safety Alert

 

Mine Safety and Health Administration
MSHA Tire Explosion During Equipment Fire - Safety Alert

Safety Alert

Tire Explosion During Equipment Fire

DANGER!
Tires can explode during a fire and after the fire is extinguished.

On June 14, 2024, one firefighter died, and another was injured when a front end loader tire exploded while firefighters fought the equipment fire.

Best Practices

  • Stop the machine, lower all attachments, set the parking brake, and turn theequipment off.
  • Actuate the machine-mounted fire suppression system, if available.
  • Safely exit the machine and retreat to a safe location, preferably 1,000 feet away.
  • Warn all others in the vicinity of the fire, notify management, and contactappropriate emergency personnel.
  • Do not attempt to extinguish a tire fire with a hand-held extinguisher.
  • Wait for emergency responders to arrive. Stay clear of the fire.
  • From a distance, emergency personnel can use a fire or water truck to cool downthe equipment. (See SAE J2828NOV2016 – Off-Road Tire Handling Guidelines.)
  • Wait at least 24 hours after the fire has been extinguished to allow the equipmentto cool. A remote heat sensing device may assist in gauging residual heat. Elevatedtire pressure lingers and is difficult to assess. Danger may remain if a fire-damagedtire is inflated, including dismounting an inflated tire from its rim.
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Miners and mine operators can find safety and health information on MSHA.gov.