Fire in Williams Garage

[mark_l]

I suspect the cause of the fire being caused by a spark igniting fuel vapours while fuel was being returned to fuel drums from the in-garage refuelling rig.

Using the in-garage rig to remove fuel from a car would not cause any problems as it is a sealed system using dry break connectors.

The system to drain the rig to the drums is not a sealed system as is it just a pipe from the rig being put into the drum. This would explain why one unfortunate Williams team member has 40% burns to his body.

I do not believe Senna's car was involved in anyway (KERS etc) in the cause of the blaze, as the fire develops behind the backscreens of the garage, not where the car is.

[nobster]

Originally Posted by wolfhound

Sprinkler systems if they use water are probably not the best idea in a pit garage as the most common fires in them involve fuel, oil, electrics and plastics.

A plentiful supply of powder followed by foam is probably what you would need.

Using powder would kill all electronic items nearby , better to use foam!

[wolfhound]

Originally Posted by nobster

Using powder would kill all electronic items nearby , better to use foam!

A fire of the size and intensity in the Williams pit would be better attacked with powder initially. Electronic kit can be replaced, humans cannot.

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by nobster

Using powder would kill all electronic items nearby , better to use foam!

Originally Posted by wolfhound

A fire of the size and intensity in the Williams pit would be better attacked with powder initially. Electronic kit can be replaced, humans cannot.

Maybe TerryD can tell us the best way?

[Urgentemente]

Originally Posted by mark_l

I do not believe Senna's car was involved in anyway (KERS etc) in the cause of the blaze, as the fire develops behind the backscreens of the garage, not where the car is.

After the initial reports (however speculative/gossipy) of "KERS started a fuel fire", when I saw the pics of the garage afterwards I was amazed at relative lack of damage both to the car and the rear of the garage. Given that the Williams hoardings are pristine white&blue, it looked not too shabby.
The car in particular, tho the front looks a bit charred, the rear wing looks almost normal colour-wise.
I'm no fire expert, but I'd expect, if the fire had started in/with Senna's fuel tank,that the car would have been toast all over.

[Greem]

Originally Posted by Adam43

Maybe TerryD can tell us the best way?

I can help you there. Powder knocks the flames down, foam cools and seals. Powder first, foam second.

With regards to whether items get damaged - nobody should care. Get people out first, then extinguishing (or containing) the fire is all that matters. Inside a building if you can't extinguish it then the next best thing is to stop it spreading. If there's millions of pounds worth of kit then you can try to save it but only after the fire's either out or under complete control... which basically means extinguished.

[TerryD]

Originally Posted by Adam43

Maybe TerryD can tell us the best way?

Happy to,

Large Foam Applicator would be the best,or if that wasn't available water mist from a high pressue branch. Also crouch down while your fighting the fire(smoke rises). Make sure you have your extinguishing medium is available before tackling the fire! Breathing apparatus would also help if available.

[TwoSheds]

Williams are changing their pit procedures, http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/18178948, no specific details though.

[JHamilton]

http://gizmodo.com/5910380/air-force...ngar-with-foam

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by JHamilton

http://gizmodo.com/5910380/air-force...ngar-with-foam

Williams needs the US air force as consultants.

[TerryD]

Originally Posted by Bononi

Williams needs the US air force as consultants.

I'd be happy to be their consultant! I'd also be happy to accompany them wherever they go as a 'fire marshal' ( I am retired now so have a lot of spare time).