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Avoiding Fuel Geysering

triangle with image of spraying fumes at person with the words fuel, heat, and pressure on each side of triangle.

 

Fuel geysers continue to be reported and the potential for injury is real. In 2018, there were 28 incidents of fuel geyser reported: 23 chainsaws, a leaf blower, and four jerry cans. A fuel geyser can happen on any equipment with a fuel tank including fuel bottles and containers. Even chainsaws with two-way vents may “geyser” at high temperatures or high elevation. Users should assume all gas-powered equipment and fuel containers are pressurized.

Fuel – Know Your Fuel

  • Fuel volatility changes seasonally and geographically.
  • Think locally. Using fuel from a cooler climate (i.e., Idaho) in a warmer climate (i.e., Texas) increases the geysering potential.
  • As elevation increases, boiling point temperatures decrease. 125oF at 8,000 feet is approximately equivalent to 140oF at 1,000 feet.

Fuel Bottles and Containers

Fuel bottles (i.e., Sigg bottles), fuel containers (i.e., dolmars or jerry cans) can geyser even after the cap is removed. To mitigate possible fuel geyser and/or potential injury from fuel bottles and cans, use the following procedures:

  • Keep containers in the shade and away from any external heat source.
  • Never open a fuel tank within 20 feet of any heat source.
  • Gently shake the container to release surface tension. Too much agitation will create pressure.
  • Open container slowly, pointing opening away and cover the opening with a cloth and glove.

Engine Powered Equipment

  • Never use fuel that was stored in a fuel container for longer than one month. Older fuel may lead to poor engine performance and increased operating temperatures. Older fuel may also have higher volatility for the current conditions. 
  • Always check the fuel level in the tank before taking any action. Fuel levels above ½ tank are more likely to geyser.
  • Never open a fuel tank within 20 feet of any heat source.
  • Only after the above mitigations are completed; put the equipment in a cleared area, cover the cap with a cloth or glove, and open slowly.

For more information or if you experience a fuel geyser, see the Fuel Geyser Awareness section at 
https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/equipment-technology-committee

 

Category
Misc Fireline Hazards

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NWCG Website Migration

Date: April 01, 2024
Contact: NWCG Webmaster

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group is thrilled to announce a significant upgrade to https://www.nwcg.gov, involving a comprehensive redesign of over 7,000 web pages. This enhancement is focused on improving user experience. The migration to the new NWCG website will commence on April 2, 2024, starting at noon EST and is expected to take a few hours. 

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Please note that while navigating the revamped website, there may be instances of broken links or errors. Our dedicated web migration team has made significant efforts to minimize such issues prior to launch and will promptly address any that arise via use of analytic reports. We value your patience and understanding as we work towards enhancing your overall website experience.

WFSTAR 2023 Year in Review and 2024 Core Component Module Packages Available

Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: Joe Schindel 

The 2023 Fire Year in Review module and 2024 Core Component Module Packages for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) are now available on the NWCG website. The 2024 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

 

References:

WFSTAR 2023 Fire Year in Review module

WFSTAR 2024 Core Component Module Packages

2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter

Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: NWCG

The NWCG Executive Board is privileged to share with you the 2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter. As we look into the future and navigate an incredibly complex and dynamic environment, we must remain focused on our mission while actively engaging in national conversations regarding numerous wildland fire initiatives. In 2024, we prioritize building upon our successes and committing to continuous improvement. Key priorities and considerations for this year include: 

  • Determining Core Workload
  • Ensuring Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Success
  • Improving Efficiencies
  • Firefighter Health and Wellness
  • Engagement in National Conversations

Together we will continue to make significant strides in the challenging and vital work that lies ahead. 

 

References:

2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter

NWCG Welcomes NASA

Date: February 22, 2024
Contact: NWCG

NWCG welcomes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an associate member.

“As wildfires become larger and more frequent, NASA is working to apply our scientific and technological knowledge toward this national challenge, and integral to our approach is forging collaborative partnerships,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. 

 

References:

NASA News Release

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