Wednesday, June 30, 2010 On 6/8/2010 at 0848, Leland Fire Rescue in Leland, NC was dispatched for a vehicle fire along a road. Upon arrival on scene, the engine crew found a 2004 Chevrolet Truck fully involved. The two person crew pulled a crosslay, approached the vehicle from the rear corner and began extinguishment of the fire. After approximately 30-60 seconds, the water stream hit the driver's compartment of the vehicle. Without warning, the steering column, which was made of magnesium, exploded. The nozzleman received the full impact of the explosion because the second firefighter was looking down while pulling more hose directly behind the nozzleman. The nozzleman was dazed, turned and handed the nozzle to the firefighter behind him and moved away from the vehicle. He immediately removed his SCBA mask and walked back to the engine, where the ambulance crew was acting as pump operators. The explosion caused some woods to ignite on the other side of the road, which was extinguished by a member of the ambulance crew. The firefighter that was handed the nozzle allowed the magnesium to darken down before continuing the extinguishment of the vehicle, using both water and foam, without further incident. The firefighter that received the impact of the explosion removed his fire gear to find many holes burned through the first two layers, but did not burn through the third layer. Upon inspection of his SCBA mask, small holes were found in the membrane of his regulator. Both the SCBA mask and fire gear were placed out of service immediately. This firefighter immediately began seeing spots in front of his eyes and developing a headache, which increased in intensity to migraine status. After seeing several doctors, a neurologist finally diagnosed his condition as a concussion caused by the bright light of the magnesium explosion. This concussion will require the firefighter to endure several months of bed rest to recover. However, the neurologist also cautioned the firefighter that this could be a career ending injury for someone 40 years old or older, and can cause seizures and strokes. This firefighter could have been more seriously injured, but should be able to return to work in several months.

LESSONS LEARNED: Since this incident, research has begun by members of the crew that shows the ability of magnesium to burn at 2600 degrees and to explode without warning. There is limited information regarding magnesium in the current Firefighter curriculum so we are in the process of developing a detailed class for our firefighters to ensure they are aware of this hazard. This incident has also reinforced the policy to wear full turnout gear and SCBA on vehicle fires, no exceptions.