Railway or tram fire

Include all incident actions

Incident information

Provide relevant information to the fire control room when requesting proportionate control of the railway
Use location markers, grid references, landmarks and local knowledge on fixed structures to confirm and communicate exact location of the transport incident with fire control and other responders
Request advice and assistance from the responsible person regarding the most appropriate access for the rail infrastructure
Identify whether trains or trams are informed, run at caution, stopped or stopped and power off and isolated
Identify rail power systems and determine whether the line is electrified and involved in the incident
Ensure that a hazardous materials scene survey is carried out at the earliest opportunity
Ascertain the likely impact of people on emergency responders
Establish effective communications with other emergency services and relevant people as soon as possible
All incident information:
Approach the vicinity of the incident cautiously and at slow speed, to minimise the risk of collisions
Gather information from available sources to gain accurate situational awareness and understanding
Use situational awareness to anticipate the likely development of the incident and evaluate the potential consequences of a range of actions
Identify the number of casualties requiring medical attention and notify the fire control room
Validate and record information appropriately in support of situational awareness
Debrief personnel that have withdrawn from a working area during an incident to gain operational intelligence and safety-related information
Maintain situational awareness and identify changes during the incident through active monitoring
Further incident information
- Access risk information including emergency plans held at stations, signal boxes and other locations
- Identify any limited clearance areas and take notice of warning signs relating to the rail infrastructure
- Assess the impact of the incident on traffic management in the local and wider areas
- Identify and communicate the speed and type of line, for example single or multi-directional
- Identify utilities installed adjacent to railway lines and assess the impact on the incident and the safety of personnel
- Investigate the scene looking for indicators of occupancy considering seating and standing capacities
- Identify the presence and effectiveness of any on board or infrastructure fixed installations
- Identify the status of ventilation systems, pressurised escape areas and intervention/access shafts
- All incident information:
- Use local knowledge to aid navigation to an incident
- ARCHIVED - Ensure that tracks and pathways are suitable for fire service vehicles
- Consider using the least damaging routes to incidents and where suitable, use defined paths and tracks
- Follow Recognise, Assess, React guidance when casualties display signs of exposure to CBRN materials
- Use visual observation of the weather and available meteorological information about current and forecast conditions to inform risk assessments and the incident plan
- Establish the availability of pre-arranged evacuation strategies and policies
- Consider pollution prevention information contained in risk information
- Seek advice from relevant parties to determine the most effective strategies and tactics to minimise the environmental impact of incidents on ecological and heritage assets
- Provide all relevant information on a timely basis to the incident commander to support accurate situational awareness

Resource information

Secure sufficient firefighting media to enable the fire to be fully extinguished
Establish and maintain contact with the rail infrastructure controller or Rail Incident Officer (RIO)
Confirm with fire control that required specialist resources and specialist advice have been requested or notified, such as police, ambulance or environmental agencies
Consider requesting specialist resources to transport personnel and equipment
All incident information:
Request sufficient and appropriate additional resources
Consider requesting appropriate specialist advice
Consider requesting specialist resources from own or neighbouring fire and rescue services, or partner agencies
Request advice or assistance for containment from environmental agencies, hazardous materials advisers, sewerage undertakers or other appropriate organisations
Consider whether operational resources can be released from the incident
Regularly update the fire control room on the availability status of operational resources
Further resource information
- Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
- Consider requesting specialist advice and resources for shoring
- Develop and organise a water/media management strategy or nominate a water officer
- All incident information:
- Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
- Consider requesting appropriate facilities for the welfare of personnel
- Consider the availability and appropriate use of pollution control devices if permission can be obtained
- ARCHIVED - Make use of specialist fire and rescue service or on-site environmental protection equipment
- Consider deploying a hazardous materials adviser to monitor or manage environmental protection activities
- Request further resources to establish the appropriate level of BA entry control

Risk information

Moving rail stock
- Identify the proportionate level of control over the railway
- Brief crews that are moving around the rail infrastructure on Personal Track Safety guidelines
- Consider trains may coast for considerable distances after power has been isolated
- Establish a 3 metre exclusion zone until trains have been confirmed as stopped, power off and earthed
- Seek assistance from the police or other relevant responder agency to secure a safe working area
Difficult access and egress
- Consider the impact of stations, tunnels, sidings, depots and other rolling stock on incident response
- Identify and communicate trackside hazards (e.g. power, utilities, biological materials, undergrowth)
- Keep feet clear of track points that may move without warning
- Consider the impact of the transport infrastructure on safe access and egress routes for fire and rescue service vehicles
- Consider a range of means of accessing incident including the use of specialist vehicles
- Consider using physical barriers to define routes and indicate the presence of hazards in reduced visibility
Fire and thermal radiation
- Position vehicles anticipating fire development, thermal radiation, collapse, smoke and other hazards
- Ensure that Firefighting PPE is worn in accordance with service risk assessment, procedures and training
- Use the appropriate extinguishing method, media, techniques and equipment
- Identify the presence and effectiveness of fixed installations and where appropriate, take control of their operation
Smoke and fire gases
- Use visual observation of the weather and available meteorological information about current and forecast conditions to inform risk assessments and the incident plan
- Consider using fine sprays or foam blankets to minimise airborne particulates
- Ensure that all personnel wear the type of RPE identified by service risk assessments, procedures and training
- Obtain advice from the hazardous materials adviser (HMA) on the size of any downwind protection zone
- Assess impact of tunnel on smoke travel and identify location and effectiveness of exhaust vents
Fuel and rail power systems
- Consider making electrical gloves available for personnel to use at incidents involving live electricity supply.
- Request the use of short-circuiting (SCD) or earthing devices – to be used only by qualified personnel
- Identify the presence and status of any Battery Electric Multiple Units
- Establish a 3 metre exclusion zone until trains have been confirmed as stopped, power off and earthed
- Consider additional risks presented by steam trains (Extreme temperatures, high pressure steam)
- Request isolation of live power systems (infrastructure and on-board)
Vehicle construction and contents
- Identify and communicate hazards relating to pressurised systems to all responders
- Identify materials and systems used within a vehicle and communicate to all emergency responders
- Identify the design and construction of the mode of transport, and the most appropriate tools for gaining access to it
- Assess the weight of the object, its stability and its impact on the mode of transport and any casualties
- Consider removing or stabilising vehicle contents if they are likely to hamper operations
Hazardous materials
- Approach the vicinity of the incident cautiously and at slow speed, to minimise the risk of collisions
- Identify whether the incident should be reclassified as a hazardous materials response
- Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established and communicated following an assessment of risk to all people present
- Identify and communicate any diesel, grease, asbestos, detonators and track welding powder
- Identify potential sources of biological contamination (e.g. waste from sanitary conveniences)
- Identify any hazardous materials signage and other indicators as part of scene survey
Fire water run off
- ARCHIVED - Consider seeking specialist advice from a HMA on remedial action for spillages and fire water run off
- ARCHIVED - Request advice from appropriate environmental protection agencies
- Apply a source, pathway, receptor model to control and reduce the risks of pollution
All incident information:
Working environment
- Identify and communicate the presence of water or other liquids to all responders
- Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
- Implement measures to maintain access and egress during the incident
- Request sufficient lighting of an appropriate type for working in reduced visibility
- Communicate PPE requirements to relevant personnel and ensure they have access to the appropriate PPE
Weather conditions
- Consider the impact of weather when determining the safest access routes
- Use visual observation of the weather and available meteorological information about current and forecast conditions to inform risk assessments and the incident plan
- Request additional meteorological information if this could benefit the delivery of operational tactics or improve the health and safety of members of the public, personnel and other emergency responders
- Manage their working environment and workload to mitigate the effects of stress and fatigue, and to optimise their personal resilience
- Avoid working in open areas, at height, near tall structures or on, in or near water where there is a risk of lightning strike
- Provide personnel with the means to prevent and manage heat illness
- Request medical advice if heat illness is suspected
- Provide personnel with the means to prevent and manage hypothermia
- Request medical assistance if hypothermia is suspected
Noise
- Consider isolating sources of noise
- Keep the number of people exposed to the hazard at a minimum and reduce time of exposure through task rotation
- Ensure personnel wear appropriate hearing protectors
- Consider using alternative methods of communication in noisy environments
- Consider implementing appropriate methods to activate the emergency evacuation or tactical withdrawal of responders in noisy environments
Heavy and bulky objects
- Consider using machinery or other equipment to assist with manual handling
- Request additional or specialist resources to assist with manual handling tasks
- Consider the task, individual capabilities, load and environment (TILE) when carrying out risk assessments for manual handling
- Ensure personnel adopt the provided safe system of manual handling
Moving vehicles
- Consider the potential effects of incident development when positioning appliances
- Position appliances to fend-off vehicles and use warning signs, lights and cones
- Apply safety measures to minimise the risk of collisions
Animals
- Identify and communicate the presence of animals, and any associated hazards, to emergency responders and the public
- Ensure personnel do not touch or handle animals unless unavoidable
- Avoid, contain or control animals if necessary
- Seek specialist advice or assistance for dealing with animals
Hazardous materials
- Identify whether the incident should be reclassified as a hazardous materials response
- Attempt to contain the release or spill of a hazardous material using a Source – Pathway - Receptor model
- Consider options to contain or disperse the spread of toxic materials in consultation with a hazardous materials adviser (HMA)
- Ensure personnel cover open wounds, cuts and grazes with a waterproof dressing prior to operational activity
- Implement appropriate hygiene or decontamination procedures
- Ensure that personnel refrain from eating, drinking, smoking or vaping prior to completing hygiene or decontamination procedures
Infectious diseases
- Identify potential sources of infectious diseases
- Ensure personnel cover open wounds, cuts and grazes with a waterproof dressing prior to operational activity
- Determine if any personnel have existing health conditions that could be impacted by exposure to infectious diseases
- Request sufficient resources to enable hygiene or decontamination procedures to be implemented
- Implement appropriate hygiene or decontamination procedures
- Ensure that personnel refrain from eating, drinking, smoking or vaping prior to completing hygiene or decontamination procedures
Distressing or traumatic scenes
- Minimise number of personnel exposed to traumatic scenes where possible
- Consider seeking the assistance of other agencies when dealing with traumatic incidents
- Erect screens to restrict the view of traumatic scenes
Violence and aggression
- Consider adopting defensive tactics if people are displaying unpredictable, aggressive, violent or illegal behaviour
- Request police assistance to control members of the public, including crowds
- Ensure personnel avoid confrontation if there is a risk of violence or aggression
- Maintain situational awareness with regard to the behaviour and movement of members of the public gathered at the scene
- Request police assistance for dealing with unpredictable, aggressive, violent or illegal behaviour

Powers, policies and procedures

All incident information:
Carry out a risk assessment that prioritises human health, by applying the exemptions provided under environmental protection legislation and regulations
Enter a premises or place, by force if necessary, without the consent of its owner, for the purposes of extinguishing fire, protecting life or property, excluding Crown property, ministry of defence, diplomatic or consular premises
Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
Enter premises or a place, by force if necessary, without the consent of the owner or occupier of the premises:
- If they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
- If they reasonably believe a fire to have broken out or to be about to break out
- For the purpose of extinguishing or preventing the fire or protecting life or property
- NB Does not apply to Crown property (including ministry of defence) and diplomatic or consular premises
- NB The Master of the ship (or delegated officer) of a merchant vessel must give permission to board

Why?

Expectations?

Benefit vs Risk?

Objectives

Extinguish the fire and eliminate all ignition sources
Maintain the safety of all personnel, other responders and the public
Save life and reduce harm
Further objectives
- Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
- Use appropriate methods and equipment to contain polluting materials to minimise their impact on the environment
- Promote community recovery and restore normal operations
- All incident information:
- Consider the JESIP principles at all incidents involving multi-agency operations
- Do what they reasonably believe is necessary to prevent escalation or extinguish fire, for the purpose of protecting life or property
- Protect Critical National Infrastructure and/or local critical infrastructure
- Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident

Tactical priorities

Confirm that Overhead Line Equipment is isolated and earthed prior to the use of firefighting jets
Establish a safe working environment for personnel and other emergency responders
Further tactical priorities
- Protect surrounding environment and infrastructure from thermal radiation and fire spread
- Consider preservation of evidence when planning, communicating and implementing tactics
- Consider the welfare or shelter arrangements for people directly or indirectly affected by the incident

Operational tactics

Consider cutting away to access the seat of the fire, hidden voids and compartments
Consider the appropriate speed of intervention to limit fire development
Select an appropriate firefighting method (i.e. cooling, smothering, starving, interrupting)
Select appropriate firefighting media (e.g. water, foam, dry powder, CO₂)
When evacuation is necessary, identify the number of people affected and develop a plan
Further operational tactics
- Establish and resource a casualty care point if required
- Gain access to rail vehicles via doors, corridor connectors, and windows, or create an opening
- All incident information:
- Consider the potential effects of incident development when positioning appliances
- Identify the number of casualties requiring medical attention and notify the fire control room
- Carry out or assist with triage of casualties
- Record the outcome of the triage and discreetly communicate this information to medical responders and the fire control room
- Implement appropriate hygiene or decontamination procedures
- ARCHIVED - Implement an appropriate protection plan when an identified nature conservation site is at risk
- Consider establishing a forward control point

Communication

Establish and maintain an incident ground communication plan considering other agencies and remote resources
Establish and maintain contact with the rail infrastructure controller or Rail Incident Officer (RIO)
Brief crews that are moving around the rail infrastructure on Personal Track Safety guidelines
Further communication
- ARCHIVED - Ensure communication systems are effective in subsurface and tunnel environments
- All incident information:
- Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
- Communicate any change in the tactical mode of a sector of the incident to personnel at the incident ground and in the fire control room
- Communicate objectives, priorities and tactics to be adopted in resolving the incident
- Deliver clear, concise and timely briefings to crews, command support functions and other agencies
- Establish communication between BA wearers, the person monitoring BA wearers and the incident commander during rapid deployment of breathing apparatus
- Ensure appropriate and resilient methods of communication with BA-related personnel are maintained
- Inform the fire control room about deployment of BA wearers, teams and guidelines
- Ensure all BA wearers are briefed and debriefed
- Ensure personnel, at the incident and in the fire control room, are kept informed about the structure of the incident
- Establish a media liaison point and brief a nominated media liaison officer
- Exchange information about the incident with fire control rooms in a timely way
- Establish an appropriate muster point and communicate its location to all personnel, and other responders if present
- ARCHIVED - Ensure that all appropriate environmental agencies are informed of the incident when required
- Use the most effective methods for communicating with people who are either directly or indirectly involved in the incident
- Establish a media liaison point and brief a nominated media liaison officer

Control

Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established and controlled to maintain the safety of crews, other agencies and the public
Commit only minimum number of essential personnel to hazard area
Further control
- Communicate the tactical withdrawal and emergency evacuation arrangements to all personnel
- All incident information:
- Establish a scene access control point to log all people operating within the inner cordon when appropriate
- Consider the use of command support systems and equipment where required
- Monitor the performance of personnel and where necessary modify plans to available competences
- Record the details of the transfer of command; this should be done at the incident ground and in the fire control room
- Instigate a safety sector at large or complex incidents under the control of a safety sector commander
- Implement exclusion zones if intolerable risks to safety are identified
- Request police assistance to establish a traffic cordon or air exclusion zone if necessary
- Maintain effective command and control in an emergency situation
- Carry out a roll call of personnel at the scene following an emergency evacuation of responders
- Ensure briefs and debriefs to BA wearers are adequately recorded
- Log and record all relevant BA-related command and control information and decisions
- Carry out a full brief and debrief of BA wearers and record as soon as possible
- Consider establishing a forward control point

Incident closure and handover

Instigate and co-operate with post incident investigations where necessary
Ensure that hazards, potential hazards and control measures are identified when handing over responsibility for health and safety to the responsible person
Inform the responsible person when fire and rescue service activities are completed and all personnel are at a place of safety
Further incident closure and handover
- All incident information:
- Consider whether operational resources can be released from the incident
- Conduct an inventory check and record any defects or deficiencies
- Consider decontamination of personnel, PPE and equipment prior to redeployment
- Consider the condition and serviceability of PPE when assessing operational readiness for redeployment
- Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
- Record all relevant incident information in an appropriate format
- Conduct a structured debrief at a level appropriate to the size of the incident
- Record and share significant findings from incident debriefs
- Participate in reviews of operational policies and procedures following the application of operational discretion
- Consider whether existing information held about premises or locations should be reviewed, or whether there is a need to add a new premises or locations into future pre-planning
- Collate and secure records from the incident and witness statements
- ARCHIVED - Ensure that waste products created by the fire and rescue service are disposed of legally and responsibly
- Follow service protocols for reporting concerns about the mental or physical well-being of themselves or other individuals
- Consider decontamination of personnel, PPE and equipment prior to redeployment

Additional information

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Ian Moore

Mon, 08/30/2021 - 11:50

Railway or tram fire

Incident information

Further incident information

Resource information

Further resource information

Risk information

Moving rail stock

Difficult access and egress

Fire and thermal radiation

Smoke and fire gases

Fuel and rail power systems

Vehicle construction and contents

Hazardous materials

Fire water run off

Working environment

Weather conditions

Noise

Heavy and bulky objects

Moving vehicles

Animals

Hazardous materials

Infectious diseases

Distressing or traumatic scenes

Violence and aggression

Powers, policies and procedures

Objectives

Further objectives

Tactical priorities

Further tactical priorities

Operational tactics

Further operational tactics

Communication

Further communication

Control

Further control

Incident closure and handover

Further incident closure and handover

Additional information