3G-01-P101-EP

Lesson Objectives

1. Describe elements of the railroad transportation system.

2. List 2 ways railroad operations can start fires.

3. List 2 fire prevention inspection and prevention methods to reduce fire starts.

3G-02-P101-EP

Texas 1998

Introduction

Fire Prevention Specialists may need to be familiar with railroad associated

activities and aspects of wildfire prevention related to this cause.

3G-03-P101-EP

Texas 1998

Introduction• A fire prevention program can

prevent losses of life and property and natural resources.

• Fires can cause train operations to be disrupted and cause a domino effect across the country.

3G-04-P101-EP

Texas 1998

Introduction• Railroad companies have responsibilities

for inspection of railroad rights-of-way (R/W) and mechanical equipment.

• Fire protection agencies have responsibilities for assuring that the railroad companies are in compliance with area fire laws.

3G-05-P101-EP

Texas 1998

3G-06-P101-EP

Northern California 1994

3G-07-P101-EP

Texas 1998

3G-08-P101-EP

Railroad Transportation System

• The primary purpose of railroad transportation systems is to move heavy or bulky freight.

• Certain specialized operations such as Amtrack and some excursion trains haul passengers.

3G-09-P101-EP

Railroad Transportation System

Historic or scenic railroads, provide settings for movies or TV programs

3G-10-P101-EP

Railroad Travel Systems

3G-11-P101-EP

Railroad Travel Systems

3G-12-P101-EP

Railroad Ownership

• Owned by large companies• Tightly regulated• Protection agencies have most

frequent contact with maintenance, mechanical and train operations

3G-13-P101-EP

Railroad Evolution

Change from coal fired locomotives to diesel electric locomotives reduced large number of fire starts.•Today….fires still occurring from:

–Any combustion process produces carbon

–Other factors: Maintenance operations

3G-14-P101-EP

Railroad Fire Causes

• Exhaust

• Rolling stock

• Track maintenance operations

3G-15-P101-EP

Exhaust

3G-16-P101-EP

3G-17-P101-EP

Rolling Stock

3G-18-P101-EP

Track Maintenance Operations

3G-19-P101-EP

3G-20-P101-EP

Railroad Related Fire Risks

Risks are sources of ignitions. Most common:

• Exhaust carbon particles

• Dragging equipment

• Brake failure

3G-21-P101-EP

• Hazard reduction fires escape• Grinding• Cutting & welding• Smoking• Discarded fusees etc.• Warming fires

Railroad Related Fire Risks – Others Include:

3G-22-P101-EP

HazardsDefinition: Flammable materials

which may be ignited by the various risks.

Grass Leaves

Pine needles Tumbleweeds

Punky logs Dead brush

3G-23-P101-EP

Other Hazards• Wooden bridges

• Snow sheds and trestles

• Buildings

• Accumulation of paper and rags

• Rolling stock etc.

3G-24-P101-EP

Reducing Hazards

Remove or reduce hazard for a sufficient distance from the risk.

•Mechanical or physical removal

•Burning

•Chemical treatment.

3G-25-P101-EP

Inspection Responsibilities

Railroad fire prevention inspections are made by both the railroad company and by the fire protection agency.

3G-26-P101-EP

Company Inspections• The responsibility for inspecting

their rights-of-way and rolling stock for compliance with laws and regulations, maintenance of uninterrupted traffic and avoidance of civil liability rests exclusively with the railroad companies.

3G-27-P101-EP

Protection AgencyInspections

• Fire protection responsibilities

• Enforcement of applicable laws

3G-28-P101-EP

• Inspect to prevent wildfires• Does not relieve company responsibilities• Agencies must make violations known• Inspections are generally surveys• Inspectors must interfere as little as

possible with train operations• Fire emergency inspections include point

of origin and ignition source determination and locomotive identification

3G-29-P101-EP

The “RED ZONE”• “The area within

arms length of a track”

• Any physical position that places YOU in a life-threatening situation is considered a “RED ZONE”.

3G-30-P101-EP

Safety is the Number One Priority!

3G-31-P101-EP

Locomotive Exhaust Systems

3G-32-P101-EP

Sources of Railroad Related Wildfires

• Not brake shoes!• Carbon from exhaust system ignite

fires up to 40 feet from the locomotive

3G-33-P101-EP

3G-34-P101-EP

Trap Type Spark Arrester

3G-35-P101-EP

Trap Type Spark Arrester

3G-36-P101-EP

Inspecting Turbo Charged Locomotives

Watch For Hazards!

3G-37-P101-EP

Eductor tube as applied on locomotive exhaust system

3G-38-P101-EP

Brake Systems

• Less common cause• Malfunctions can cause pieces to fly

off• Composition brake shoes have

eliminated fires• Cast iron is still used on smaller

lines and have fire starting capability

3G-39-P101-EP

Brake Shoes

3G-40-P101-EP

Railroad Right of Way Railroad Right of Way ClearanceClearance

3G-41-P101-EP

Clear 10 feet from outside rail

Vegetation Clearances From Track

3G-42-P101-EP

Fire Guard

3G-43-P101-EP

Railroad Fire

Detection and Patrol

3G-44-P101-EP

Railroad Fire Patrol

3G-45-P101-EP

Fire Prevention Program

• Establish working relationships in advance

• Hold annual meetings with fire protection and Railroad personnel

• KNOW YOUR LOCAL CONTACTS!

• Get the right phone numbers

3G-46-P101-EP

http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/railroad.html

3G-47-P101-EP

3G-48-P101-EP

Summary and Review Lesson Objectives

1. Describe elements of the railroad transportation system.

2. List 2 ways railroad operations can start fires.

3. List 2 fire prevention inspection and prevention methods to reduce fire starts.

3G-49-P101-EP