We give you the lowdown on how Barcelona’s Fire Brigade deals with a vehicle on fire.
From time to time fire fighters have to put out vehicles that are on fire, as for example during this August, in Carrer d’Esteve Terradas. When that happens, they invariably proceed as follows. Here’s what they do!
In the first place, fire fighter vehicles keep to a safe distance from the car on fire, so that if the tank is affected or a tyre explodes, the fire fighters can continue working on putting out the fire.
Then they attack the fire with water, although, if there is a fuel leak or the vehicle has been on fire for some time, they add a foaming-agent to it, an additive that helps to seal off the pool of fuel, reduce the water’s surface tension and increase its effectiveness.
Once the fire has been put out, the vehicle is examined and its battery disconnected. The cleaning services are then called to intervene, and the Guàrdia Urbana [city police] calls the tow service to remove the vehicle in question.