 Thus the operating cost of a fireless steam shunter can be far less than that of a comparable diesel.Fireless locomotives are also safer to operate than conventional steam locomotives, aside from the elimination of ignition hazards.The primary cause of a locomotive boiler explosion is the depletion of boiler water, through inattention or excessive use, exposing the crown sheet directly to the flames of the firebox without the cooling effect of the water covering, weakening it to the point of failure.