InterLinc: City of Lincoln: Fire & Rescue Department Title

Procedure for extinguishing fire in U.S. mail collection boxes: by actual tests conducted with the cooperation of the Lincoln Post Office (LPO) officials it has been determined that a carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher, is the most effective and satisfactory method of extinguishing the fire with the least possible damage to the contents of the box.

Remove the horn
Open the door enough to insert the hose into the box
Charge (release several bursts) and close the door
Do not force the box open
Stand by for arrival of LPO representative

If CO2 is not available:

Use a dry chemical extinguisher in the same manner
Use water only if these types of extinguishers are not available

Immediately on arrival at box, the firefighters will extinguish the fire as directed. DO NOT FORCE OPEN THE MAIL BOX. The LPO is to be notified when ever a fire is reported in a U.S. mail collection box. This will be done by the dispatch center, when they dispatch the company or at the request of the responding captain, who has received the still alarm from another source. On receiving notification of fire in a collection box the LPO officials will dispatch a clerk with a set of keys, and mail sack to the location of box on fire.

When the fire has been extinguished, stand by for arrival of the LPO representative, when they arrive and unlock the box, the firefighters will examine contents to determine if the fire is out before returning to quarters.

Special care should be exercised in handling the mail. It is suggested that letters be handled, one by one, in order that the contents of each are intact. It is the responsibility of the LPO representatives to remove mail from the box and to take care or dispose of it.


	lincoln.ne.gov