In addition to these relevant data, we must add other less significant but highly important factors caused by entrapment or cornering:
Loss of material (burned firefighting vehicles)
Although statistics are lacking, numerous vehicles have been burned in fires as a result of entrapment situations. Many of them were abandoned by their users in extreme situations, others were due to lack of protective systems, failure to activate them, or inadequate protection systems.
Firefighting vehicles, despite having specifications and requirements regarding the materials used in their manufacture according to regulations, are especially vulnerable to prolonged and/or extreme temperature exposure. In most cases, the vehicle’s tires, trim materials, and windows are usually the most vulnerable points to ignition and fire spread to the rest of the vehicle.
After a statistical analysis of the incidents that have occurred in recent years, the number of fatalities reflects the real need for improved safety, innovation, and continuous progress in the sector. Therefore, it is necessary to work on the development of new safety devices and procedures that contribute to the establishment of comprehensive training in the aforementioned situations, thus reducing entrapment situations and their consequences.