Increasingly, electric vehicles are catching fire on roadways.

Increasingly, electric vehicles are catching fire on roadways.

Electric cars are taking over the roadways, and it seems like they're causing some trouble, too. While most electric vehicles are safe, they also pose a unique challenge—they can catch fire, and extinguishing them is no walk in the park.

When technology takes a turn for the worse

One chilly April night in 2025, the fire department in Essen-Heisingen received an urgent call about a burning electric car in a garage. Despite their best efforts, the battery kept reigniting, and it took them nearly five hours to finally get the fire under control.

While the risk of electric cars catching fire isn't statistically higher than traditional vehicles, they're a whole new ball game when it comes to putting them out. If the high-voltage battery catches fire, it can lead to lengthy operations. Fire departments are facing new challenges, and traditional methods just can't cut it against the heat development in these batteries. The need for special equipment and training is becoming increasingly clear, but the Ministry of the Interior of North Rhine-Westphalia doesn't seem too concerned about upgrading the fire departments with the necessary gear.

Delving deeper: the secret danger lurking within electric vehicles

The source of the fire in electric cars is often deep within the lithium-ion battery. In case of a fire, a chain reaction can occur, spreading heat from cell to cell. Firefighters must not only smother the flames but also cool the battery to prevent further reaction.

The fire departments are becoming more equipped with special techniques to tackle these types of fires, like the use of extinguishing lances that are inserted directly into the battery. But after the fire is out, there's still a risk of relapse, so cars are often placed in special containers and cooled down for an extended period. This process ties up resources and significantly delays response times. Experts are calling for more resources and training to handle electric vehicle fires effectively.

So, what can we do to keep our firefighters safe and our streets clear of burning electric cars? Here are some key insights:

Specialized Equipment

1. F-500 Fire Extinguishers: These extinguishers use an agent that actively interrupts the chemical reaction, cools the heat source, and prevents re-ignition, making them a great tool for EV fires[1].
2. Fire Blankets: While these blankets can suppress flames, they may pose an explosion hazard by trapping flammable gases under the blanket. Proceed with caution[2][3][5].
3. Hose Streams with Injected Agents: Research is ongoing to determine the effectiveness of water hose streams with or without injected agents for EV fires[2][3].
4. Under-Vehicle Nozzles: These are being tested for their ability to cool and access the EV battery fires[2][3].

Training

1. Understanding EV Fires: Firefighters need training on the unique risks of electric vehicle fires, such as the potential for thermal runaway and the high temperatures involved[1][2].
2. Proper Use of Equipment: Proper training is critical for the safe and effective use of specialized tools like F-500 extinguishers and under-vehicle nozzles[1][2].
3. Safety Protocols: Firefighters must be educated on safety protocols to minimize risks, such as avoiding the use of water directly on lithium-ion batteries and recognizing the potential hazards of fire blankets[2][3].
4. Response Strategies: Training should include strategies for responding to electric vehicle fires, such as isolating the vehicle, cooling the batteries, and using the right extinguishing methods[3].

In conclusion, with the increasing number of electric vehicles, it's vital that we invest in specialized tools and training to keep our firefighters safe and our cities fire-free. It's an evolving field, but with the right resources and education, we'll soon have electric vehicle fires under control!

[1] Specialized Equipment for Electric Vehicle Fires

[2] Fire Safety and Response Measures for Electric Vehicles

[3] Training Guidelines for Firefighters: Managing Electric Vehicle Fires

[4] The Hidden Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries

[5] Fatal Explosions and Fires Associated with Lithium-Ion Batteries

[6] Recent Developments in Electric Vehicle Fire Extinguishment

1. As electric vehicles become more common, firefighters need specialized equipment such as F-500 fire extinguishers to effectively combat the unique risks posed by their fires, including thermal runaway and high temperatures.
2. To ensure safety and efficacy, firefighters must receive proper training on the use of specialized tools like F-500 extinguishers and under-vehicle nozzles, as well as understanding the specific hazards of electric vehicle fires.
3. With the increasing prevalence of electric cars, it's crucial to upgrade fire departments with the necessary gear to handle these vehicles and prevent extended delays in response times due to the cooling and containment process after an electric car fire.

Read also: