Fire in alternative fuel vehicles in ro-ro spaces (BREND)

A literature study has been carried out that compiles the body of research regarding hazards related to fire in alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) in ro-ro spaces. Alternative fuels include liquefied gas (e.g. LNG), compressed gas (e.g. CNG) and batteries. Hazards related to a conventional vehicle on fire are heat, smoke and toxic gases. Another hazard is projectiles related to small explosions of e.g. tyres or airbags. AFVs also include hazards of large explosion, jet flames, more apparent re-ignition, etc.

The study also includes land based fire fighting tactics related to AFV fires. If the fuel storage on an AFV is affected, land-based firefighters often use a defensive tactic, which means securing the area around the vehicle and preventing fire propagation from a distance. This tactic has been evaluated in the context of a ro-ro space and the results are compiled in a test report (Vylund et al 2019). The project has resulted in guidelines on how to handle AFV fires in roro spaces (see appendix 1).