One of the greatest risks with any public event is car fires starting on temporary car parks, in 2010, The Thame show witnessed up to 100 cars damaged according the Thame gazette, Reading Rock festival also witnessed 20 cars damaged in 2008 and the list just goes on and on. Dry grass combined with hot exhausts, and even the one use BBQ’s have all caused fires in car parks. 

 

Good management, pre planning and sound preparation, combined with a first effective first strike can almost totally eliminate this hazard. 

 

Management - Ensure that access routes are maintained for emergency services and that fire appliances can always get in with 45 meters of the furthest point , you should also build in fire breaks, as a rough guide so think 2 and 20, 2 cars deep and 20 cars along, then it’s a 5 meter gap. 

 

Pre-planning – Cut the grass short between 24 and 48 hours before. Remove stubble wherever possible and avoid long dry grass areas. 

 

Preparation – Morning Damp Downs, a light spray down can make all the difference, it both reduces dust and reduces the likelihood of fires starting 

 

First strike – Having your own fire crew on standby, this may make the ultimate difference between 1 car and 50 cars being involved. 

 

At EFS, We have both witnessed and been involved in extinguishing these fire over the years, and building on that experience and skill set we have put together a team for this very job. Our fogging 4x4s will lay a mist of water over grass just before your visitors arrive, we then deploy 4x4, with first strike team wearing high power fogging Back packs (check out the Videos), whilst these guys are fighting the fire , our fully functional Appliance with a complete crew with breathing apparatus and 2 tonnes of water to ensure its under control. 

 

We are already performing this function as well as our other Fire safety functions at some of the UK’s biggest and best events, including Shakedown, RIAT and Sopara