How to prevent coach fires ?

In the last years, several coaches caught fire everywhere in Europe. In France, an accident caused a fire in Puisseguin, Aquitaine, causing 43 deaths in october 2015, then two weeks later another vehicle transporting kids caught fire in Charente. Scandinavia records 49 coach fires between 1999 and 2004. In Germany, a vehicle also caught fire in Hannover causing 20 deaths in 2008. This phenomenon is increasingly concerning for passenger transport professional.

Even if the reasons of fire in the vehicles are often unclear, we know there are five main factors that cause them: a source of heat, vibrations, equipment wear, a functioning fail or a lack of maintenance.

Fire-proof devices already exist

However European and international directives already exist to try to prevent fires inside vehicles carrying passengers. Automatic fire extinguishers can be placed in the engine compartment but these systems still aren't mandatory in Europe. It should become mandatory by 2018 for coaches and by 2020 for buses.

In addition, the International Road and Transport Union  (IRU) also wants to install smoke detectors.

Actions to put in place to prevent coach fires

The IRU established a plan of actions for drivers to prevent fires. Indeed, it is proved that a frequent control of the vehicle can detect anomalies that could lead to a fire.

Before leaving, the driver must control the tyres pressure, check that there is no oil leak by the exhaust and ensure that the smoke is not blue. The engine preheating systems also need to be checked.

During the trip, the driver must check the gauge of temperature for the coolant. If the vehicle is equipped with a fire detection system, he must control the indicator. The driver must stop the vehicle if the engine, brakes overheat or in case of suspect smells or smokes. Finally, the coach driver must check the retarder whether it is hydraulic or electric.

In order to block the fire risks, the IRU advise them to report any dysfunction in the daily activity report, with the mileage and time.

The steps to take in case of coach fire

The driver must park his vehicle in a safe spot and apply the hand brake. Once the passengers are safe, the driver stops the engine and disconnects the main batteries from the alternator by activating the main switch. Once all of this is done, he must use the fire extinguisher if the vehicle has any and stop the dire without opening the engine compartement if it's on fire.