Vehicle Fires: Cutting the Hood for Access V-Cut VS. Horizontal Cut

Last cycle, we had a car fire on the interstate. By the time we arrived, it was going pretty good. Most of the fire was contained to the passenger area, with a little bit of extension to the engine compartment. I was riding the seat. Among other tasks, I backed up my firefighter (we ride 3 typically). Once he had a handle on the fire, I asked my driver for the K saw. The interior of the car was burned up and getting to the hood latch wasn’t going to happen.

I needed to get the hood open. My driver brought the saw over, started it for me, and I headed for the hood.

horizontal cut on car fireI made a V-cut and opened the hood.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the fire on helmet camera because the memory card was full.

Today, I read an article from FireFighterToolbox.com (follow on FB too) about doing a horizontal cut instead of a v-cut. It makes sense. I will try it the next time I get a chance.

Read the Article Here

What are your thoughts after reading the article?