Fire chiefs should be aware that E85 fuel, an alternative fuel composed of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, is gaining wider distribution in the Midwest, primarily in the states of Illinois and Minnesota.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, fires involving E85 should be treated differently than conventional gasoline fires because E85 is a polar/water-miscible flammable liquid. E85 is highly flammable and can be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. The DOT recommends following Guide 127 in the 2004 Emergency Response Guidebook.

Guide 127 provides recommendations for handling E85 spills and leaks, small fires involving E85, large fires involving E85, and fires involving E85 tanks or car/trailer loads. The guide also provides guidance in the event evacuation is warranted or first aid is required.

The full Guide 127 can be downloaded in PDF format from here.