UN 0171 — Ammunition, illuminating
Placard: Explosive 1.3G. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0171 covers assembled illuminating ammunition containing pyrotechnic compositions, typically in metallic cartridges or shells, designed to produce intense sustained light using magnesium-based compounds. These munitions present a fire and deflagration hazard rather than a mass explosion risk, but can initiate surrounding materials and project fragments during burning.
Hazard overview: UN 0171 illuminating ammunition may deflagrate and generate intense heat capable of igniting nearby materials, along with potential fragment projection during burning. Some magnesium-based illuminating compounds are water-reactive, meaning applying water can worsen the hazard rather than suppress it.
Response guidance: Responders should immediately isolate the spill or incident area for at least 500 meters in all directions and evacuate a minimum of 1,600 meters downwind if fire or a major spill is involved. Do not apply water directly to burning UN 0171 pyrotechnics; instead, use dry sand, dry chemical agents, or allow the material to burn out in a controlled manner.
UN 0171 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0171
- Fire and burning hazard — not mass explosion.
- Intense heat and possible fragment projection.
- May deflagrate and initiate other materials.
- Smoke and toxic combustion products.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
UN 0171 illuminating ammunition consists of metallic cartridges or shells loaded with magnesium-based pyrotechnic compositions engineered to emit intense light upon ignition.
| Also known as | Illuminating ammunitionFlare ammunitionLight-producing ammunitionPyrotechnic ammunition |
| Appearance | Assembled munitions containing pyrotechnic compositions designed to produce intense light. Typically metallic cartridges or shells containing magnesium-based illuminating compounds. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic material) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid article) |
| Water Reactivity | May react with water depending on pyrotechnic composition; some illuminating compounds contain water-reactive metals |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0171
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders must wear full structural firefighting gear with SCBA, a face shield for protection against intense light and heat, and fragment-rated protective equipment when operating near UN 0171 munitions.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0171 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper.
- Isolate area; stage upwind — fire and fragment hazard.
- Request Hazmat + law enforcement.
- Control ignition sources; deny entry.
- Consult current ERG Guide 112 and follow SOP/SOG.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0171 — Ammunition, illuminatingUse 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.