Date: 2015-02-27
Autocar Industries, LLC
NHTSA Action Number: PE15006
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
Subject:
CNG Fuel Container Burst During A Fire
Opened From: 2015-02-27 - 2016-01-08
Summary
On January 27, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana, a model year 2014 Autocar ACX / Heil Half/Pack Freedom refuse collection truck caught fire and experienced a catastrophic CNG fuel container burst. Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) personnel conducted a field examination of the incident vehicle, an exemplar vehicle and the incident scene, and subsequently sent information request letters to Autocar LLC, The Heil Company, Agility Fuel Systems Inc. and Hexagon Lincoln
Inc.After a review of all available information, it appears that this was an isolated incident. The vehicle fire originated in the refuse storage bay and was caused by a hot load, which is a quantity of solid waste that catches fire, smolders or spontaneously combusts as a result of incompatible waste materials mixing together. Drivers are trained to eject the hot load in an empty lot, when feasible. In this instance, the driver did not eject the hot load. After expending a hand-held fire extinguisher into the hopper area of the refuse storage bay, the driver retreated from the vehicle. Fire fighters arrived at the incident scene within minutes. During firefighting efforts, two CNG fuel containers burst, sending materials into the air and across a large debris field.One fire fighter was struck in the head and shoulder area by falling debris and sustained minor injury. He was examined at the scene and did not require transport but was later transported post-incident to a medical clinic where he was diagnosed with a muscle strain to his left shoulder. Multiple structures suffered property damage and the subject vehicle was a total loss. The fire was brought under control and was extinguished 1 hour and 38 minutes after fire fighters first arrived.Post-incident analysis, including a review of the fire department?s after action report, identified several contributing factors. The truck driver was unable or unwilling to eject the hot load. Fire fighters initially misidentified the subject fuel system as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and believed cooling was necessary to prevent a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE). Fire fighters were unfamiliar with natural gas vehicle fires, associated risks and best practices for firefighting techniques and tactics. The CNG fuel containers were located directly above the origin of the fire and were impinged by flame, thus weakening their structural integrity. The CNG fuel containers were mounted transversely with thermally-activated pressure relief devices (PRDs) mounted in each end, away from where the fire was localized. The CNG fuel containers were of Type 4 construction and thus were not good conductors of heat away from where the fire was localized and towards the PRDs. The CNG fuel containers were covered by a steel enclosure with small, circular openings providing access to the manual fuel container isolation valves equipped with integrated PRDs. Water applied to the fire likely cooled the PRDs but did not reach the area of the fuel containers where the fire was localized, thus keeping the PRDs below the activation temperature threshold as the fire progressed.ODI is aware of at least one other incident in which a substantially similar CNG refuse truck caught fire due to a hot load. In that case, the PRDs activated as intended. There was no fire suppression effort prior to the PRDs activating.The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Safety Training project (http://www.evsafetytraining.org) provides training for first responders who face emergency situations involving motor vehicles.NFPA training advises that attempts to extinguish a significant CNG fire could prevent
Investigation Documents
For Latest Documents related to this Investigation, visit the NHTSA Website.
Click the (+) Plus Sign
Then click Associated Document(s).
Search NHTSA Database for Recalls
Search NHTSA Database for (TSB's) Technical Service Bulletins
Technical Service Bulletins TSB's List
Previous Investigation | Next Investigation |
- [Notice] When you receive a used device, it may be a customer return resold by Amazon without inspection. You can exchange it for a new one through Amazon. As this situation is unavoidable, we sincerely apologize. For any issues, contacting us via Amazon's "Messages" is the best way. THINKSCAN 689BT Bidirectional Scan Tool Can Be Used Immediately After It is Turned On, Without Complicated Registration Process, Which is More Convenient & Quick.
- Full Bi-Directional Control & 3000+ Active Tests: Take control and test components like actuators, fuel injectors, relays, and cooling fans in real time. You’ll quickly see if the problem is in the part itself or the control module — saving you hours of guesswork and frustrating trial-and-error.
- Advanced ECU Coding Capabilities: Handle module matching and hidden feature activation with confidence. When you replace an ECU or want to customize settings, this obd2 scanner diagnostic bi directional tool gives you the professional-level capabilities you need without the dealership price tag.
- 34+ Useful Reset and Maintenance Functions: Complete everyday service tasks smoothly with a wide range of helpful reset and maintenance functions. Whether you’re keeping up with regular upkeep or tackling a specific job, this scanner makes maintenance simpler and less stressful for both DIYers and pros.
- Comprehensive Full System Diagnostics: Diagnose every major system — Engine, Transmission, ABS, SRS, TPMS, and more — all in one place. Finally stop wondering if you’re missing something important; get the full picture and clear codes with ease.
- Top Reasons to Choose the D7S OBD2 Scanner: XTOOL D7S car scan tool, an upgrade of XTOOL D7, offers comprehensive features for automotive technicians, workshops, and DIY enthusiasts 1. Upgraded Hardware: 2+64GB memory, rear camera, intuitive interface, foldable bracket 2. Complete Diagnostics: FCA
Autoauth, OE-level all system scan, 39+ maintenance services, 4K+ bidirectional, CANFD/DoIP protocol 3. Advanced Capabilities: ECU c0ding, PMI functions 4. Wide Compatibility: Support 10,000+ models, covering 99% vehicle brands 5. Multi-language: Available in 22+ languages, No IP Restrictions 6. 3-Year Updates: Save 300 bucks on software updates for the latest features and optimizations - 2026 Upgraded D7S Car Scanner Features: The newly 2026 D7S V2.0 scanner for car brings exciting features for advanced vehicle diagnostics and enhanced user experience 1. FCA AutoAuth: Now supports FCA SGW module for Chrysler, for Jeep, for Dodge (2018+), for Fiat (2017+), enabling faster vehicle communication without gateway restrictions 2. PMI (Offline ECU Pr0gramming): Allows for Ford, for Lincoln, and for Mazda ECU pr0gramming for new modules 3. Optimized Diagnostic Report 2.0: Personalized reports with logos and customer info for auto shops. Note: Compatibility varies by cars, please check before order
- 39+ Services/Resets/Adaptations/Relearns/Calibrations: XTOOL D7S full system car scanner diagnostic tool tackles 99% of common car issues through its 36+ special functions, including Oil Reset, EPB, SAS, BMS, Throttle Reset, Injector C0ding, ABS Bleed, TPMS Reset, Power Balance, etc and also covers specific-vehicle functions like Crank Sensor Relearn, ABS Initialization, Cylinder Power Balance, Fuel Trim Reset, Idle Relearn etc. This car diagnostic scanner enhances efficiency, making repairs and maintenance hassle-free. Tip: DO NOT for All vehicles, please check compatibility first
- Cost-effective ECU C0ding Scan Tool for Specific Brands: Enhance your vehicle's performance with XTOOL D7S! This obd2 scanner all systems bidirectional offers advanced capabilities at an affordable price, supports online for BMW, for Benz and offline for BENZ, for MIT, along with PMI functions for Ford, for Mazda, and for Lincoln. Ideal for technicians and DIY enthusiasts, this automotive scanner diagnostic tool optimizes vehicle performance and enhances the driving experience. Note: Not for all cars and modules, please send car VIN to check the compatibility before purchase
- OE All System Diagnostic & 8 Pids Graphing: XTOOL D7S is a comprehensive all system bi directional obd2 scanner that delivers dealer-level diagnostics, completely controlling over your vehicle’s performance and health. This automotive scan tool can read and clear DTCs, view live data and ECU information, retrieve freeze frames, and perform active tests and full obd2 functions. This bi-directional scan tool can can identify your vehicle's make, model, and year information with just one click and show up to 8 PIDs live data with options for CSV viewing, playback, and recording for in-depth analysis. It is easy-to-use for both professionals and beginners, helping pinpoint issues efficiently
- 【✅Compared to BOSSCOMM IF742, IF745 Offers Full-System Diagnostics】The BOSSCOMM IF745 car diagnostic scanner is an upgraded model of IF742. In addition to supporting all OBD2 Code Reader functions and 6 reset options (ABS/EPB/SAS/BMS/Oil/Throttle), it expands diagnostics from 4 systems (Check Engine/ABS/SRS/Transmission) to vehicle All systems, including Steering, Suspension, and Body Electronics. This provides deeper, more comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
- 【✨10 OBD2 Functions】The BOSSCOMM IF745 scan tool’s DTC Lookup instantly translates fault codes into user-friendly explanations, its I/M Readiness feature streamlines emissions testing with a single tap, and Freeze Frame lets you pinpoint the exact moment of a fault for in-depth root-cause diagnosis. Combined with a live data dashboard and advanced diagnostics (O2S, OBMon, EVAP), it delivers comprehensive insights for confident troubleshooting.
- 【✨Deep Diagnostics for All Vehicle System Modules】Beyond code reading/clearing and ECU information retrieval, our all-in-one data stream feature lets you inspect all current fault codes and their locations across the vehicle’s systems. This vehicle code reader helps you turn off dashboard warning lights and perform a comprehensive self-check of your car at home—no more back-and-forth trips to the repair shop or hefty inspection fees.
- 【✨6 Essential Resets: ABS Bleeding, Oil, EPB, SAS, Throttle, BMS】The BOSSCOMM IF745 obd2 scanner diagnostic tool swiftly purges air from brake lines to restore braking sensitivity, fine-tunes maintenance cycles to eliminate false alerts, resolves parking brake issues with one-click control, recalibrates steering sensors for stability, optimizes engine idling/acceleration for smoother performance, and deeply resets battery systems to extend lifespan and range via precise parameter adjustments.❗NOTE: Does NOT support bidirectional control, coding, or programming.
- 【✨10,000+ Car Models, AutoVIN, 13 Languages】The BOSSCOMM IF745 vehicle scanner diagnostic tool covers 73+ global car brands and offers support in 13 languages, making it perfect for DIYers, auto mechanics, or as a thoughtful gift. With a single-click AutoVIN feature, it instantly retrieves vehicle serial numbers, streamlining diagnostics for users globally. This adaptable tool balances user-friendliness with precision, catering to both personal and professional requirements.✅Unsure about compatibility? Compatibility will vary on vehicles' model and year, pls reach us via 📧 [email protected] 📧 before purchase.
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.