Testing a hatchback type passenger car fire

Abstract

The paper presents comments on statistics, referring to passenger cars fi res in Poland. The emphasis is placed on arsons. Experiments on fi res started by the “Molotov cocktails” are presented. The paper includes description of a fi re test conducted on a hatchback car with a LPG system. The photographs include the burning gas outfl ow, witnessed after triggering the safety valves in LPG system. Hazards are pointed out, including those concerning the driver, passengers, rescuers and others. The hazards are connected with a leak of fuel or a gas stream and hazardous explosions of car parts. A description of temperature taken on the car body surface is provided. An infrared camera has been used.