Don’t Become Your Own Customer—Simple Risk Management Wins for Your Station, Fleet, and Battery Systems 

Don’t Become Your Own Customer—Simple Risk Management Wins for Your Station, Fleet, and Battery Systems 

By Jason Jantzi, Sr. Risk Management Consultant – Public Safety 

 

Fire stations and apparatus are designed to protect the community, but recent incidents remind us that our own facilities and vehicles are not immune to fire risk. Two Oregon districts suffered devastating electrical fires, losing critical vehicles and equipment. Across the country, fire trucks have caught fire in quarters and on the road, often due to overlooked electrical hazards. 

Here’s what you can do today to reduce risk and keep your crew safe: 

1. Electrical Inspections: Make It Routine 

  • Inspecting all cords, outlets, and panels for damage or wear weekly is best. 
  • Keep at least 36 inches clear around electrical panels. 
  • Use extension cords that are properly sized only for temporary needs; never daisy-chain them. 
  • Check shoreline and in-station charging cords for deterioration, especially in apparatus bays. 

2. Licensed Repairs Only 

  • All electrical work, repairs and installations should be done by certified electricians. 
  • Review contractor work at regular intervals (1, 5, and 9 years) to ensure compliance. 
  • Don’t cut corners with wire size or insulation; improper installations are a leading cause of fires. 

3. Monitor Apparatus Electrical Systems 

  • Train drivers to use dashboard voltmeters to monitor alternator and battery health. 
  • Ensure alternators can handle the total connected load (TCL) with a 20% reserve. 
  • Watch for voltage drops below 13 volts, this signals that batteries are discharging, and risk is rising. 

4. Aftermarket Equipment: Inspect and Document 

  • Any add-on radios, computers, or chargers should be installed by skilled technicians. 
  • Check for chafing or stretching of wires, especially where holes are drilled for new equipment. 
  • Use rubber grommets and inspect them regularly for cracking. 

5. Lithium-Ion Battery Hazards: Know the Risks 

  • Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly common in fire stations, vehicles, and equipment. They can present unique hazards, especially when damaged, overheated, or overcharged. 
  • Overcharging or repeated excessive charging rates can cause thermal runaway, a rapid, uncontrollable increase in temperature that may result in fire, explosion, and release of toxic, flammable gases. 
  • Fires involving lithium-ion batteries have a very high heat release rate and are difficult to extinguish. Residual “stranded energy” in batteries can remain hazardous even after a fire is out. 
  • Always assume lithium-ion batteries and battery energy storage systems (BESS) are energized. Exercise extreme caution when handling or responding to incidents involving these systems. 
  • Train personnel on the hazards of lithium-ion batteries, including chemical exposure risks and the need for proper PPE. 

6. Prevent Overcharging and Monitor Charging Systems 

  • Use manufacturer-approved charging systems for all battery-powered equipment. 
  • Avoid leaving batteries on chargers for extended periods and never use damaged or non-certified chargers. 
  • Regularly inspect charging stations for signs of overheating, damage, or improper wiring. 
  • For in-station charging systems (shorelines), ensure drivers disconnect power cords before moving apparatus to prevent arcing and overheating. 

7. Train Your Team—Class C Fire Response 

  • Provide regular training on fire extinguisher types and electrical fire response. 
  • Emphasize the dangers of Class C fires and the correct extinguishing agents. 
  • Label all breaker panels and disconnects clearly. 

8. Emergency Readiness 

  • Ensure backup generators are functional and capable of powering critical systems. 
  • Keep electrical rooms free of storage and clutter. 

9. Self-Assessment Checklist 

  • Electrical panel clearance maintained? 
  • All cords inspected weekly? 
  • Extension cords used only temporarily? 
  • All electrical work done by certified electricians? 
  • Personnel trained on Class C fire response? 
  • Breakers and disconnects clearly labeled? 
  • Electrical rooms free of storage? 
  • Weekly checks of apparatus bay shorelines and cords? 
  • Lithium-ion battery charging systems inspected and compliant? 
  • Personnel trained on lithium-ion battery hazards and PPE? 

Final Thought 

The many apparatus fires nationwide, are stark reminders: fire stations and vehicles are vulnerable to the very hazards we respond to. Lithium-ion batteries add new layers of risk, overcharging, thermal runaway, and chemical exposure. By implementing these simple, practical steps, you can protect your crews, equipment, and community from preventable harm. 

Additionally, chiefs should contact their insurance agent to ensure vehicles and property have adequate coverage and are valued correctly. This step helps prevent financial surprises and ensures your district can recover quickly after an incident. 

If you’d like to discuss risk management strategies tailored to your district, reach out anytime. riskmanagement@sdao.com