UN 2623 — Firelighters, solid, with flammable liquid
Placard: Flammable Solid. ERG Guide 133. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2623 is Firelighters, solid, with flammable liquid, a flammable solid/article entry assigned to ERG Guide 133. Package damage and leaking flammable liquid affect fire behavior.
Hazard overview: FLAMMABLE solid article containing flammable liquid; can ignite readily from heat, sparks or flame. Burning packages may spread flaming liquid or melted material. Vapors from the liquid component may form ignitable mixtures in confined areas.
Response guidance: For UN 2623, isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources when flammable vapors are present and use SCBA. Keep vapors out of drains, cool containers from protection and select foam/dry chemical/CO2 from SDS and ERG 133.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2623 should emphasize vapor travel, sewer flashback, foam selection, ignition control, SCBA use, decontamination, container cooling and runoff containment. Use ERG 133, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Firelighters, solid, with flammable liquid is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Firelighters, solid, with flammable liquid should be stored in approved compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials according to SDS.
UN 2623 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2623
- FLAMMABLE solid article containing flammable liquid; can ignite readily from heat, sparks or flame.
- Burning packages may spread flaming liquid or melted material.
- Vapors from the liquid component may form ignitable mixtures in confined areas.
- Damaged packages can leak flammable liquid and contaminate absorbent materials.
- Fire may produce dense irritating smoke and carbon monoxide.
- Runoff may carry flammable liquid contamination.
- Exact formulation and packaging affect fire behavior; verify SDS and shipping papers.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Solid blocks, cubes, or sticks typically white, tan, or brown in color, made of porous material impregnated with flammable liquid (often paraffin, kerosene, or petroleum distillates). May have waxy or petroleum-like odor.
| Also known as | solid fire startersbarbecue fire starterscombustible fire lightersparaffin fire starterswax-based fire starters |
| Appearance | Solid blocks, cubes, or sticks typically white, tan, or brown in color, made of porous material impregnated with flammable liquid (often paraffin, kerosene, or petroleum distillates). May have waxy or petroleum-like odor. |
| Flash Point | Varies by formulation, typically -4 to 38C (25 to 100F) depending on flammable liquid content |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid composite material) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material, though vapors from liquid component may be heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; water may not be effective for extinguishment due to flammable liquid content |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2623
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, smoke, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and flame-resistant protection as appropriate.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2623 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 133, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2623 — Firelighters, solid, with flammable liquUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.