What does 49 CFR 397.11 (Fires) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 397.11 requires a motor vehicle containing hazardous materials to take precautions when operating near an open fire and prohibits parking within 300 feet of an open fire.

The rule says

"A motor vehicle containing hazardous materials must not be operated near an open fire unless its driver has first taken precautions to ascertain that the vehicle can safely pass the fire without stopping." (49 CFR 397.11(a))

"A motor vehicle containing hazardous materials must not be parked within 300 feet of an open fire." (49 CFR 397.11(b))

In plain English

This rule is about safety when hauling hazardous materials near open fires. Drivers need to be careful when approaching an open fire to ensure they can pass safely without stopping, which could ignite the hazardous materials. Additionally, parking too close to an open fire is not allowed, as it poses a significant risk of fire spreading to the vehicle and its hazardous cargo.

What to do

• Ensure drivers are trained to handle hazardous materials near open fires.
• Develop procedures for safely passing open fires without stopping.
• Enforce a no-parking zone within 300 feet of open fires for vehicles carrying hazardous materials.
• Regularly review and update safety protocols to comply with 49 CFR 397.11.