Approximately 20 percent of the U.S. electric distribution system is underground. Electrical vaults are most common in large cities and densely populated communities, such as Seattle. Underground electrical vault fires are difficult to combat because of accessibility challenges and damage caused to electrical infrastructure using traditional fire suppression agents, such as water. CO2 extinguishes fire by robbing it of oxygen and is an offensive approach to keeping fire from spreading throughout an entire electrical vault system.
Fire Captain Chris Greene of the Seattle Fire Department, a foremost thought leader in the U.S. on fighting energy fires, has facilitated many educational sessions on the topic and assisted with directing the development of the department’s new ERU.
In 2018, the Seattle Fire Department worked with Seattle City Light to take a unique approach to fight electrical vault fires by retrofitting a decommissioned Pierce vehicle and equipping it with CO2 canisters and 120 feet of hose line. The department’s next generation ERU from Frontline Communications incorporates an innovative design addressing the department’s previous limitation gaps.
Captain Greene added, “We increased our capacity by 11-fold compared to our old rig, now with three hose lines 200 feet each, which can be deployed simultaneously or connected for a total of 600 feet of hose line. We are now able to go deeper into spaces, and there is not an area in the city we can’t combat – which is a reassuring feeling for our team.”
The new ERU will be housed at Seattle Fire Department’s Station 25, where 48 members of an energy response team are trained to safely address the public safety needs resulting from energy hazard incidents. In the event of an electrical vault fire, the team removes the utility hole cover, inserts the hose/metal wand, and injects the vault with CO2 while covering the opening with a fire-resistant tarp. Once the fire is out and cleared of smoke and CO2, Seattle City Light personnel de-energize electrical equipment, making the area safe for crews to begin repairs.
To learn more about Frontline Communications and the latest emergency response vehicles, visit www.frontlinecomm.com.