Only you can prevent desert fires

Photo By Sgt. Daniel Schneider | A fire destroys a military building at Camp Liberty July 20. An investigation...... read more read more

Photo By Sgt. Daniel Schneider | A fire destroys a military building at Camp Liberty July 20. An investigation determined the fire originated from an air conditioner unit inside the server room of the building and spread rapidly to the rest of the facility. No personnel were injured in the blaze. Following fire prevention techniques can help keep costly fires such as this from occurring before they start.  see less | View Image Page

CAMP LIBERTY, IRAQ

07.31.2010

Story by Spc. Daniel Schneider 

366th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

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BAGHDAD – A recent fire at Camp Liberty resulted in approximately $650,000 in damage, according to the latest estimate by Task Force Safe, an organization specializing in prevention, inspection and investigation of fires.

No personnel were injured, however, the building and its contents were destroyed in the blaze.

An investigation revealed an air conditioning unit was the cause, and no Soldier was at fault. However, other fires that have struck U.S. bases in Iraq could have been avoided by using a few common sense pointers that often go overlooked, said Sheldon Longnecker, United States Forces – Iraq TF Safe fire chief.

In addition to air conditioning units, some of the major causes of fires include fluorescent light fixtures, lithium batteries and open flame.

Fluorescent fixtures are the number one source of fire at military bases in Iraq, said Longnecker. These fires can be triggered by many different problems.

A lot of the light fixtures used in Iraq use magnetic ballasts, which are made up of an electric motor and a starter, said Longnecker. As they power the light, the ballasts become extremely hot. The superheated motor can melt the plastic light fixture and drip onto flammable materials below and ignite them. They may even become hot enough to light the ceiling ablaze.

Magnetic ballasts try to start a burnt-out light continuously even when it’s not working. The ballast’s motor will work harder and harder to try to start the light until it eventually catches on fire.

While the Army is in the process of replacing these ballasts, Soldiers should ensure whenever bulbs burn out that they put in a work order, as soon as possible, to get the bulb replaced.

Another cause of light fixture fires results from Soldiers tampering with the lights in their rooms, loosening the connection of the bulb to cut off one light while they’re trying to sleep. Even though this might seem like a good idea in the short-term, electricity can arc from the ballast to the bulb, and the spark can ignite the ceiling.

Percy Black, U.S. Division – Center’s safety specialist, pointed out that appliances should be plugged directly into the wall outlet, urging Soldiers not to plug them into transformers or power strips, as the power draw can overheat them.

For other items that do not draw as much power, authorized power strips and plug adapters with fuses built into them are available at no cost through the Mayor Cell or safety office.

“We want you to use them,” Black urged.

Since TF Safe started in 2008, they’ve provided about 550,000 power strips and 2.1 million plug adapters, and have more for use if needed, said Longnecker.

Daisy chaining, or connecting multiple items to a power strip that is not qualified to handle such a load, or worse yet, connecting power strips together, can cause fires due to an electrical overload. Daisy chaining should be avoided at all times.

There are many conflicting rules floating around about how to prevent air conditioner related fires, said Black. He suggests following the guidelines on the signs attached to the unit, especially cleaning the air filters weekly as this can prevent the unit from overheating and catching on fire. Also, do not leave your air conditioner on the ‘High Cool’ setting when you’re not in the room. This setting keeps the motor running continuously and will cause it to heat up over time, which can result in a fire.

“A/C fires have two spikes in occurrences,” said Longnecker. “One in the colder months because heaters are working harder, and another in the summer heat because of pressures put on A/C units.”

Lithium batteries are another piece of equipment some Soldiers have access to, and if handled improperly they can become a fire hazard. Lithium batteries are considered a hazardous material for a reason, said Black.

According to a USF-I environmental safety guidance, damaged lithium batteries can heat up enough to start leaking gases, a process known as ‘venting.’ The gases will give off a strong, sour and stinging odor, and can be very flammable. Dropping or misusing batteries can also result in venting.

As for open flames, they can include everything from cooking inside your housing unit, candles, incense and even cigarettes or lighters.

The guideline set down by the local Fire Department is no open flames within 50 feet of buildings.

“The basic strategy of fire prevention is to control or isolate sources of fuel and heat in order to prevent combustion,” said Longnecker.

Following basic fire prevention techniques can help prevent costly damage to buildings and even prevent the death of Soldiers due to fire.