'Another' Class A Fire from blown tire?

Blown tires are a rather common occurrence in fires starting in tractor trailer combinations (this is ususallly the trailer) So I don't see this as all that unusual especially when fuel lines and other flammables are present and so close to the tires as is the case with most MH's

I think it's easy to make too much of this. Most fires in tractor trailer trailers while on the road are from blown tires.

It happens frequently. Unfortunately the results are tragic for the folks involved but I wouldnt say it's unusual.

Ductape wrote:
Who really knows at this point if the blown tire CAUSED the fire or RESULTED from the fire. Could just as easily be brake or bearing problems.

Tire blew and debris ruptured fuel or oil line.

Ran over hard debris in the road that killed the tire and also got the fuel tank or fuel line.

Was the tire the chicken or the egg?

X2... agreed!
The tire may have failed due to a badly overheated brake or bearing. Unless one drives excessively on a flat tire, it won't get hot enough to cause a fire.

I'm still amazed that RV Manufacturers don't design a steel or other wheel well or can. Once they have the basic design all they have to do is incorporate it with design software into the next units. Not rocket science and not expensive. Two to three hundred dollars and no more worries about Customers coaches being destroyed and possibly lost lives and a positive selling point. I'm sure with more effort on an Individual's part, like me, if I were younger, cut design and install wheel wells just like we made larger cans for slicks on drag cars.
Two hundred more pounds of steel or possibly plastics would not labor a diesel.

It is in the news that commercial truck tires are only rated to 75 MPH. Now I know that most class A don't drive that fast or faster but I have seen those tour bus units hooking it

dspencer wrote:

jrs1871 wrote:
Within the past week, a couple from Lawrence, KS was killed in Illinois when their Class A caught fire after a blown tire. The local news was a little sketchy on the details except to say a blown tire caused the fire. The pic that was on the news showed the motor home was totally destroyed.

That story was very tragic and really got close to home. The DW and i shared many stories and campfires with them. They were just super nice people who was a lot of fun to be around. We had known them for the last 3 years and always camped next to them when camping at Clinton State Park. There site was right in the middle of the park and we always reserved the site next to them. It really blew me away when i found out.

Very sad story.

http://www.bnd.com/2015/04/20/3775116_two-killed-in-fiery-crash-on-i.html?rh=1

jrs1871 wrote:
Within the past week, a couple from Lawrence, KS was killed in Illinois when their Class A caught fire after a blown tire. The local news was a little sketchy on the details except to say a blown tire caused the fire. The pic that was on the news showed the motor home was totally destroyed.

That story was very tragic and really got close to home. The DW and i shared many stories and campfires with them. They were just super nice people who was a lot of fun to be around. We had known them for the last 3 years and always camped next to them when camping at Clinton State Park. There site was right in the middle of the park and we always reserved the site next to them. It really blew me away when i found out.

Within the past week, a couple from Lawrence, KS was killed in Illinois when their Class A caught fire after a blown tire. The local news was a little sketchy on the details except to say a blown tire caused the fire. The pic that was on the news showed the motor home was totally destroyed.

Who really knows at this point if the blown tire CAUSED the fire or RESULTED from the fire. Could just as easily be brake or bearing problems.

Tire blew and debris ruptured fuel or oil line.

Ran over hard debris in the road that killed the tire and also got the fuel tank or fuel line.

Was the tire the chicken or the egg?

Good explanation.

I had 2 blowouts on my MH. After seeing these I am VERY thankful both myself and my MH are still here in one piece.

Some bus type rear engine RVs use a 100% ethylene glycol based coolant fluid which is flammable when exposed to temps about 650-750 F. Most antifreeze can be flammable if in a strong enough concentration. They cool the rear-engine bus types with non-diluted antifreeze for better 'cooling' capacity.

While most concern about antifreeze is based on its extreme danger as a poison - it can also burn and ignite without an obvious ignition source. Read the full warning label on your antifreeze.

I've been told it takes about 30 seconds of a tire running after a loss of pressure (not necessarily shredding) - and it WILL catch fire when the vehicle stops. The rubber is that hot. Stopping the vehicle will make any minor fire grow quickly.

If the tire shredding has broken any coolant, oil or fuel lines in the rear engine area - those add to the flames.

I've never seen an RV on fire alongside the highway, but have seen three 18-wheeler trailers burning - all caused by a fire from a blowout/ flat.

I know two people who have lost class A diesel pushers in fires and after the fire, it was determined it was coolant leaks which cause the fire.

Most people I know who own diesel pushers are aware of the danger of fire from a flat tire, and all the fluids near the rear engine. It seems to be trailer folks who don't realize the danger of fire from a flat tire/ blowout.