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Chiefs should review requirements for handling E85 fuel

June 2006 – FAIRFAX, Virginia – The IAFC would like to alert chief fire officials to the requirements for handling E85 fuel, an alternative fuel composed of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent gasoline.

Recently, E85 has begun to appear in the Midwest states. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, fires involving E85 should be treated differently than traditional gasoline fires, because E85 is a polar/water-miscible flammable liquid.  E85 is highly flammable, and will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.

The DOT recommends following Guide 127 in Canutec’s 2004 Emergency Response Guidebook. The full Guide 127 can be found at www.tc.gc.ca/canutec/erggmu/guidepage-.aspx?guide=127.