When approaching a vehicle fire, from what angle should you attack the fire?

When approaching a vehicle fire, from what angle should you attack the fire?

• A. 15 Degrees
• B. 30 Degrees
• C. 45 Degrees
• D. 60 Degrees

Answer: (C)

Attack from about a 45-degree angle to the base of the fire because this angle lets the water reach and soak the fuel source while keeping you out of the most intense radiant heat. It provides a good balance between penetration and control: you can sweep the stream to cool the base and push heat away rather than having the stream glance off the vehicle or bounce flames back toward you. If you come in too steeply, water may hit the surface and be less effective at cooling the base, and you stay closer to the heat. If you come in too shallow, the stream may not reach the base well and water can be wasted or deflected. So, 45 degrees offers the best combination of reach, cooling at the base, and crew safety.

Attack from about a 45-degree angle to the base of the fire because this angle lets the water reach and soak the fuel source while keeping you out of the most intense radiant heat. It provides a good balance between penetration and control: you can sweep the stream to cool the base and push heat away rather than having the stream glance off the vehicle or bounce flames back toward you. If you come in too steeply, water may hit the surface and be less effective at cooling the base, and you stay closer to the heat. If you come in too shallow, the stream may not reach the base well and water can be wasted or deflected. So, 45 degrees offers the best combination of reach, cooling at the base, and crew safety.