Electric Vehicle Fires Highlight New Risks for Firefighters
As electric vehicle (EV) adoption surges, firefighters are facing new challenges and risks. These include exposure to toxic carcinogens and the need for significantly more water to extinguish fires compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Fire departments around the world are grappling with the safety concerns and new protocols necessary to manage these incidents. A recent report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) highlights the potential hazards firefighters face when battling EV fires, which can release dangerous substances.
“When all battery packs have been actively involved, EV fires produce carcinogens, irritants, and other hazardous products of combustion, as well as the fire itself,” said a 5:C64E@C @7 $J=G6DE6C u:C67:89E6C r2?46C x?:E:2E:G6. “The materials used in these batteries often contain hazardous chemicals, including fluorinated compounds that can break down to highly toxic products.”
Emergency responders are now using more water to put out the fires.
According to the NFPA, EV fires can release toxins such as:
- Hydrogen fluoride
- Hydrogen chloride
As well as:
- Lithium hydroxide
- Nickel
[
] (These are all) byproducts that can harm us if we’re exposed to them.
More Water Needed
EV fires often require significantly more water compared to gasoline vehicle fires. In many situations, firefighters have found that these fires can take up to 20 times more than a standard car fire.
Additionally, experts emphasize the need for proper decontamination measures after an EV fire to minimize exposure to potentially harmful substances. These protocols include:
- Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Thoroughly washing equipment
- Properly disposing of waste materials
“If we focus our decontamination efforts, and educate our firefighters and the public, we can lessen [the hazardous] effects and hopefully minimize them,” said a 5:C4E@C.
In response to the growing threat, many fire departments are already taking steps to address EV fire safety. Strategies include comprehensive training programs, updated safety equipment, and the development of specialized protocols tailored to the unique challenges of electric vehicle fires.
Proper training, safety equipment, and decontamination protocols are essential.
“There’s a shared commitment to safety and training, and firefighters have the resources we need to address this issue,” a AC:?4:A2= :?G6DE:82E@ of the xurx said. “This approach is going to make a difference, and it’s going to make a difference.”
In a recent incident in a_`d , the $J=G6DE6C tested its equipment for effectiveness.
“We need to understand the risks and have a robust communication of the safety practices for EV fires, and the best practices.”
Firefighters are working to ensure a safe environment for themselves and the public as EVs become more common.
If you encounter an EV fire, there are specific procedures to follow, including the use of firefighting gear, and safety procedures.
If you fight an EV fire, follow all safety precautions.
