While your vehicle is placarded, how should you approach open fires?

The correct approach when your vehicle is placarded and you encounter an open fire is to stay 100-200 feet away from the fire. This distance is critical because hazardous materials can be extremely combustible, and being too close to an open flame can pose a significant risk of ignition and explosions.

The rationale behind maintaining this distance includes ensuring the safety of the driver, the cargo, and the surrounding environment. Keeping a safe distance minimizes the chance of heat exposure potentially triggering a fire or causing hazardous materials to react violently. Additionally, being at a safe distance allows for adequate reaction time in case there is an emergency.

While passing the fire without stopping might seem workable under certain circumstances, it does not account for the unpredictable nature of flames and hazards that are associated with hazardous materials. The standard safety protocols dictate that the best practice is to stay away from such hazards, as they can quickly escalate in severity.

In summary, staying 100-200 feet away from an open fire is the best precaution to take when dealing with transport of placarded hazardous materials, as it significantly reduces potential risks associated with fire and hazardous materials.