One option for electric vehicle fires? Let them burn.
1 min read
Summary
Patrick Durham is the founder of Stache Training, one of the firms that offers training to first responders on how to deal with EV battery fires.
There is no official data on how frequently EV battery fires occur or what causes them, but the number of incidents is on the rise.
There are no manufacturer standards on how to fight an EV battery fire or prevent them, so first responders often have to search each car’s manual.
Durham offers a host of resources for first responders on the best way to tackle a battery fire, such as hours-long workshops and easy-to-follow video tutorials.
EVs are a new type of fire for first responders, as the battery is tightly packed in a case situated between the axles underneath the car, making it hard to access.
A damaged battery can heat uncontrollably, with one cell igniting and then the flames spreading to the others; the batteries are also likely to reignite after initially appearing to go out.
The best course of action for first responders is often to simply let the car burn, protecting the surrounding area but not attempting to tackle the fire.