Electric Vehicle Fires Pose Serious Risks to Firefighters
Electric vehicle (EV) fires are a growing concern, exposing firefighters to hazardous materials and requiring specialized response techniques. These fires present unique challenges compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicle fires, demanding more water and posing risks of toxic exposure.
Firefighters face increased dangers during EV fires as these incidents can lead to an elevated risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. “When you have a car, it’s mostly gasoline, and a few other chemicals, and some plastics… but EVs are more dangerous” said 5:C64E@C, from $J=G6DE6C’D u:C67:89E6C r2?46C. “Many of these are not well understood, but the exposures can cause serious health issues.”
EV batteries, for instance, are known to contain highly corrosive materials. When exposed to those fires, components like the battery’s electrolyte can release hydrofluoric acid, a corrosive chemical, which poses immediate risks during fire operations. Prolonged or repeated exposure to such substances can lead to harmful health consequences, increasing the importance of strict safety protocols.
“It’s critical that fire departments follow best practices for these incidents,” another source adds. “We have done testing and research on EV fires and the exposures firefighters face. We have found evidence of toxic compounds in the air around these fires, so it is important to take precautions.”
To effectively manage these risks, firefighters require specialized training.
Specialized Training and Safety Protocols
Proper decontamination is crucial to minimize exposure after EV fires as firefighters can get exposed to dangerous chemicals.
Compared to regular car fires, EV fires often necessitate considerably more water for extinguishment. This stems from the tendency for thermal runaway within the battery pack to cause reignition. To manage this, first responders are trained to deploy a larger volume of water directly to the battery.
Beyond the immediate combat of flames, firefighters must be aware of the potential hazards the EVs introduce. They must:
- Wear the appropriate PPE gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Establish a safe perimeter around the fire
- Decontaminate thoroughly to minimize exposure to hazardous materials
