Hydraulic oil is another key fuel source in mining vehicle fires. Hydraulic systems are used extensively in mining equipment for functions such as lifting, steering, and other heavy machinery operations. The hydraulic fluid, often under high pressure, can leak from hoses or pipes, especially when there is damage or a mechanical failure. A ruptured hose or pipe can spray hydraulic fluid onto hot engine components or other surfaces, creating a highly flammable mist. This spray can ignite readily, leading to a rapid and intense fire spread, quickly engulfing the vehicle. Hydraulic oil fires are particularly dangerous due to their fast progression and the difficulty in controlling the spread once ignited. 

 

The tires on mining vehicles are significant contributors to fire hazards due to their large size and the materials from which they are made. Mining vehicle tires are often constructed with rubber and other materials that are highly combustible. Ignition can occur from external sources, such as sparks from nearby equipment or hot engine components, or through internal heat buildup from prolonged heavy use. In the event of a fire, tires can burn intensely, producing thick, black smoke and creating a highly dangerous fire scenario. The heat from a tire fire can rapidly escalate, making it difficult to control. The large surface area of the tires, combined with the heat they generate, can lead to long-duration fires that require extensive efforts to suppress. 

 

Electrical faults, such as short circuits, damaged wiring can generate sparks sufficient to ignite flammable materials. These faults can occur in various parts of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring harnesses, lighting systems, and battery connections. Electrical cables are often exposed to harsh conditions, including wear and tear from constant movement and friction. These cables, if damaged or short-circuited, can also spark and ignite nearby flammable materials, including fuel, oil, or rubber. 

 

The engine compartment is a high-risk area for fire ignition due to the presence of numerous hot surfaces, including the engine block, exhaust manifold, and turbocharger. Leaks of flammable fluids (fuel, hydraulic oil, engine oil) in this area can easily ignite upon contact with these hot surfaces. The confined space of the engine compartment can also contribute to rapid fire spread.

 

The interior of mining vehicles, including seats, dashboards, and other details, often contains a variety of combustible materials. The combination of materials, such as plastics, fabrics, and synthetic materials, in the vehicle interior can contribute to the rapid spread of fire and the generation of toxic smoke, further increasing the risks for operators and responders. 

 

Fire safety measures can be divided into Active and Passive. 

Active fire protection systems are designed to detect and extinguish fires in mining vehicles, typically focusing on high-risk areas such as the engine compartment. These systems can be manual or automatic and include traditional fire extinguishers and automated fire suppression systems. Today most of the mining vehicles, due to safety regulations, carry two to three portable fire extinguishers for emergency situations and as a backup to the primary suppression system. Many vehicles are now equipped with automatic fire suppression systems, utilizing linear heat detection cables (LHDC) to detect heat and potential fires in the engine bay. Once a fire is detected, the suppression mechanism is triggered, either manually by the operator or automatically by the detection system. However, these systems have limitations, including potential failure to activate, insufficient suppression agents, or inadequate coverage of all vehicle areas, particularly open sections.