Should shipping container storage be included in a wildfire emergency preparedness plan?

Clients wanting to add shipping container storage to their wildfire emergency preparedness plan often ask about how shipping containers hold up in the face of fire, whether they should store it on-site or off-site, whether the contents inside their shipping container are likely to be affected by smoke damage, and more.

Can a shipping container withstand a fire?

Depending on what is stored within, there can be variations in the duration to which the shipping container can resist the fire. Highly flammable materials might still present a risk if not adequately stored or handled. However, an appropriate interior setup and organization can significantly mitigate these risks.

Are shipping containers a fire hazard?

This is an area where shipping containers truly shine in fire mitigation. However, if a large fire is burning close to a container, the heat transfer can pass through the steel walls of the container quickly, and a fire can start inside the container just from the heat, putting contents inside the container at risk.

How dangerous is a container fire?

The risk of a container fire occurring is thought to be on the rise, with 64 ships lost to cargo fire in the past 5 years alone. Cargo fires on container vessels can cause major damage to the ship itself, damage and loss of goods and put the crew’s lives at risk.

What happens if a cargo container catches fire?

The fire needs oxygen to keep burning, and within a sealed container, the supply is limited. This means the flames rage on only until the oxygen depletes. Ultimately, once the oxygen within the cargo container is consumed, the fire meets its natural demise: it’s extinguished. What about the contents within these containers, you ask? Great question!

What happens if a container fire starts?

Cargo fires on container vessels can cause major damage to the ship itself, damage and loss of goods and put the crew’s lives at risk. The reasons a container fire might start are diverse, including improper packing and the transportation of hazardous goods. Here are some other considerations: External factors, such as the high heat of summer.