Considerations for Bus and Coach Fire Suppression Systems

Bus networks across the world transport billions of people each year. With passengers looking for their journeys to be easier and quicker, operators are under constant pressure to keep their routes operating and their fleets safe.

With safety one of the top priorities for operators, the risk of fire is an ever present risk. To put this in perspective, according to data published by Transport for London in the UK, there are on average 12 fires each month on London buses alone. In the US, this monthly average leaps to 177, with school bus fires reportedly occurring more frequently than coach fires.

Whether a bus is for schools, businesses or general transportation, if a fire breaks out it can be devastating. With 63% of bus and coach fires starting in the engine bay located at the rear of the vehicle and out of immediate sight, a fire can go undetected for some time and spread quickly. By the time it is noticed the fire will likely have already caused extensive damage and become too dangerous to tackle.

While fire suppression systems are not mandated by many transport agencies, those such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the US do recommend, for example, that all new and in-service school buses be equipped with automatic fire suppression systems. In addition, detailed investigations from leading transport authorities and fire protection agencies promote the installation of automatic fire suppression systems on buses and coaches to try to reduce the risk to human life.

Operators seeking to install automatic fire suppression systems to their bus and coach fleets should seek a UNECE Regulation 107 and A+ rated SPCR 183 accredited system. These international quality marks ensure a system performs at the highest level in the most stringent and challenging conditions. Specific to fires in bus and coach engines compartments, Reacton Fire Suppression’s R107 and A+ rated SPCR 183 automatic systems will detect fire and deliver the extinguishing agent within seconds, minimising the spread of the fire and risk to passengers.