Fires and fire risks on vessels

Fire in incinerator and exhaust fan motor

What happened?

An incinerator was being routinely operated by its designated operator.  After the last garbage parcel was inserted into the chamber, the operator noticed flames and smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe and ash removal door.  The bridge was immediately informed via radio.  The operator left the room, and activated the emergency stop and the hi-fog system.  The fire alarm was sounded and the crew mustered.  While the fire teams responded to the fire in the incinerator, multiple fire sensors located in the casing and engine room were activated automatically.  Fire fighters went to the engine room and found the exhaust fan motor from the incinerator on fire.  The fire was extinguished by dry powder extinguisher.

What went wrong?

The exhaust fan holding bolts were found broken inside the casing. Investigation confirmed that the fire was caused by overloading the incinerator with plastic and thereby creating excessively high temperatures.  This led to overheating of the exhaust fan which created an imbalance of the fan and consequent failure of the bolts.

• The manufacturer’s recommendations for maximum loads for the incinerator chamber, in terms of type and amount of waste, should be displayed at a conspicuous place near the incinerator;
• Further documented training/familiarisation for the operators;
• Segregation of waste as per garbage management plan.

Actions/lessons learned

• The manufacturer’s recommendations for maximum loads for the incinerator chamber, in terms of type and amount of waste, should be displayed at a conspicuous place near the incinerator;
• Further documented training/familiarization for the operators;
• Segregation of waste as per garbage management plan.

Members may wish to refer to 

• Fire In Incinerator Exhaust Gas Manifold
• Galley Fire: Failure To Follow Stove/Oven Installation Instructions