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Fire In The Hole: The Causes And Effects Of Manhole Fires
No one thinks too much about manholes until there is a problem with one. The most common issue that may come up with a manhole is an electrical fire: here is what causes them and how they are best handled.
Have you ever been driving along the street, only to see dark smoke billowing out from somewhere underneath it? Chances are there is a fire down in a manhole, and, although they are generally considered a rare occurrence, you are more likely to see one in the wintertime than in the summer.
These underground electrical fires are usually caused by melting ice and the salt that is put down on the roads in stormy conditions. When the salt melts the snow and ice, the water and ice filter down through a manhole cover and will land on the underground electrical equipment and wiring. Salt is extremely corrosive, and it may cause these delivery systems to begin to deteriorate. Wires may begin to slow burn as a result, creating a cloud of combustible gases such as carbon dioxide and neoprene gas.
This highly flammable cloud could ignite at any time, endangering any people or cars that may be passing by. Even if the smoke seems more like a trickle, the hazardous nature of the situation should never be underestimated. The trickle may suddenly change into a pressurized and dangerous cloud.
If your or another person's car is over the manhole when the fire starts, do not try to drive it off of the manhole; just exit the vehicle immediately and get clear. If the smoke were to ignite while you are trying to drive your car away, it might mean severe injury or even death.
The fire department should be called immediately since they have the equipment and the experience to handle these kinds of fires. Although it may be tempting to stand around and watch until help arrives, it is by no means the smart thing to do. A manhole cover weighs more than an average man, but a manhole explosion could easily send the cover flying high into the air. When it lands, it is guaranteed to do severe damage to a person or property, or both.
Because the underground systems are interconnected, fire could easily spread from one manhole to another, endangering an entire neighborhood. Fire and other municipal officials will no doubt evacuate the area at their discretion. Under no circumstances should lay people attempt to put the fire out with a household hose. Putting water directly into the hole can easily cause electrocution.
In short, handling a manhole fire is best left to professionals who know what they are doing. If you are near the site when such a fire breaks out, it is best to leave immediately and encourage all other passersby to do the same. Then call 911.
About the Author If you are a commercial, industrial, or municipal enterprise responsible for installing or maintaining public utilities, visit the professionals who carry the very best in manhole covers, valve boxes, and other high quality products: Valvoco, Inc (http://cptest.com). Art Gib is a freelance writer.
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