Tire Information and Inspection

This 6 Minutes for Safety honors Will Hawkins and Jacob O’Malley from the BLM Nevada Winnemucca District Fire Program, who lost their lives during the Denio engine rollover. You are Never Forgotten!

On Sunday, July 10, 2016, two Bureau of Land Management (BLM) firefighters were killed and another was seriously injured when their Type 4 fire engine was involved in a single-vehicle rollover 37 miles north of Winnemucca, Nevada. The accident was the result of tire failure causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle to roll over. This incident initiated changes within the BLM Fire program including standardization of Rollover Protection Systems for all 4-door cab engines, discontinuation of single tire rear wheel water handling equipment, and documentation of the in-depth annual tire inspection.

Firefighters must equip themselves with information to carry out the inspection and maintenance of fire fleet vehicles and equipment tires. The NWCG – WFSTAR Tire Information and Inspection video is a helpful supplement to the information below. Tires should be visually inspected and pressure tested daily as a part of preventive maintenance checks. Here are some tire information and inspection tips:

• Tire Identification Number (TIN) – Branded on the tire sidewall, the TIN begins with the letters “DOT” and are used for recalls. The last four digits represent the week and year of manufacture.
• Tire size – important when looking for a proper replacement tire. Pay attention to the section width and aspect ratio (metric style).
• Load index (load range, if older) – A two or three-digit number that indicates the weight a tire can support when inflated to specified tire pressure. Example using 150/147:
  • Single tires – 7,400 lb x 2 tires = 14,800 lb front axle weight
  • Dual tires – 6,800 lb x 4 tires = 27,200 lbs rear axle weight
• Speed rating – This rating applies to the tire and NOT the vehicle. Look for the letter after the load index number: 150/147 L.
• Tire rotation – The owner's manual will have the recommended service intervals.
• Tread depth – Measure at least once a month or anytime you see excessive wear. For example, BLM policy is is to replace tires that read below 4/32 of an inch. Refer to your agency policy.
• Tire Condition – Visually inspect tires to identify deterioration such as: weather cracking, separation, bulges, holes, sidewall damage, tread depth, tread condition, and uneven wear.
• Contact a reputable tire shop professional for assistance if you are unable to locate specific items on a tire, and to ensure your tires meet the specific requirements for your vehicle.
• Torque lug nuts to the original equipment manufacturer recommended setting found in the owner's manual anytime the tire/rim is removed from the vehicle. Retorque the lug nuts again in 100 miles or as identified in the owner's manual.

Discussion and Practice:

Head over to your vehicles to work through these next bullet points.

• Locate the week and year of manufacture on your tires at the end of the TIN. Dated tires should be replaced according to Agency policy or tire manufacturer recommendation.
• Measure tread depth: Replace tires with less than 4/32”. The Code of Federal Regulations requires front tires at 2/32” or less to be placed Out Of Service (CFR393.75 Tires).
• Inspect your tires for abnormal signs of damage, deterioration related to age, weather cracking, separation, bulges, holes, sidewall damage, tread depth, condition, and uneven wear. If deficiencies are located have a qualified tire professional determine if replacement is necessary.
• Determine the load index of the tires on your vehicle: Is it sufficient to handle the payload rating of the chassis and its components? If not, the tires should be replaced.