Foam Application for High Hazard Flammable Train (HHFT) Fires

Fire Protection Research Foundation report: "Foam Application for HIgh Hazard Flammable Train (HHFT) Fires"
Author: Brianna Gillespie and Gerard G. Back, Jensen Hughes; Bobby Breed, Specialized Response Solutions
Date of issue: August 2017

Report

Foam Application for HIgh Hazard Flammable Train (HHFT) Fires

There has been rising number of large scale fires involving high hazard flammable trains (HHFTs), some with catastrophic consequences. HHFT fires are typically complex scenarios consisting of flowing fuel, pools, and saturated substrates. HHFT events have the potential to quickly evolve into major conflagrations in which heat from initial fires can produce cascading effects due to increased thermal stress on surrounding railcars, leading to heat induced tears, pressure relief venting, and additional breaches.

Download the report.

Introduction

The overall goal of the project was to develop a compendium of foam application data and related fire suppression information on High Hazard Flammable Train (HHFT) fire events and three dimensional, free flowing flammable liquid fire scenarios. Through a literature review, information gathered from responders and technical response teams, and analysis of published after action reviews, the findings of this project serve to clarify the planning estimates for application of foam during suppression of an HHFT derailment incident for the responder community.

• Download the executive summary. (PDF)