Magnesium Explodes During Vehicle Fire

Photos by Battalion Chief Russell Accardi/Delray Beach Fire-Rescue On Dec. 2, 2004 Delray Beach, FL, Fire-Rescue firefighters were extinguishing a fire involving a Jeep Cherokee when magnesium reacted with the water, causing an explosion as the firefighters were next to it. The firefighter in the photo was caught in the exploding magnesium, but because he was fully protected by his personal protective equipment, he was not injured. His bunker coat, hood and other components were damaged by the fire. Continuous application of water extinguished the fire, but there were several more reactions before the fire was extinguished.