Electric vehicle (EV) fires are on the rise, presenting new challenges for firefighters and first responders. These fires not only occur more frequently but also demand significantly more time, resources, and specialized knowledge and technology to extinguish.

Firefighters Face Unprecedented Challenges

Chris Soda, a veteran firefighter and instructor, pointed out the unique challenges posed by EV fires, saying, "The tactics that we're using for internal combustion engine vehicles don't really apply to the batteries on these electric vehicles. We're used to applying water and the vehicle going out relatively quickly, and that just isn't the case with these electric vehicles."

Soda also highlighted the astonishing water requirements, stating, "Potentially 10 times the amount of water compared to an internal combustion engine vehicle. Where we're using 300 to 500 gallons of water, we may use 5,000 gallons of water now." He emphasized the need for continuous training: "You're training while you're learning how these fires behave. How much of a challenge is that? It's huge because we don't have the science behind it to tell us exactly what's going on and the best way to combat these fires."

Survey Reveals Gaps in Training and Standards

Ash-Har Quraishi, national consumer correspondent for CBS, conducted a nationwide survey involving two dozen of the largest fire departments. The survey's findings revealed alarming gaps in training and standards. Only about 38% of these departments had received hands-on training to combat lithium-ion battery fires.

Quraishi's question resonated deeply: "The technology is outpacing the safety standards and the regulations that will help them do their jobs. How do you respond to that?" Dr. Lori Moore-Merrel of the US Fire Administration responded, "I think that's a fair statement. Yes, we are learning every day. Right now, we're not even sure what to regulate because we don't know enough about the incidents that are happening."

Automakers' Role and Challenges

Joe McClain, a safety engineer at General Motors, underlined the commitment of automakers to safety. He stated, "All electric vehicles produced by GM undergo mandated testing to ensure they meet all applicable safety standards, including those related to fire safety." McClain also shared their training efforts: "Over the past year, we've done over 25 different locations to get hands-on training. We've reached and trained over 5,000 first responders." It's a start, but that's just a fraction of the more than one million US firefighters”.

Emergency Response Guides

In the absence of standardized procedures, firefighters often rely on emergency response guides provided by individual manufacturers. Currently, there are approximately 300 separate emergency guides, complicating firefighting efforts.

Specialized Equipment

Several companies are developing specialized equipment and methods to address the unique challenges posed by EV fires.

ColdCut Systems, for instance, has introduced a method that involves cutting through the battery and injecting a mixture of water and additives to extinguish the fire and prevent re-ignition. This method is more efficient and safer for firefighters, as it can be operated from a distance.

Rosenbaueroffers the BEST system, which penetrates the battery pack and cools cells from within, using only eight gallons of water per minute. This method is more efficient and safer for firefighters, as it can be operated from a distance.

Darley, a company specializing in fire suppression equipment, offers the BridgeHill Car Fire Blanket, which provides a quick and reusable solution to isolate car fires, preventing the spread of smoke and flames. According to Darley, this blanket is made of a high-strength fire-retardant quartz fabric weave that can handle temperatures up to 2,500 degrees.

Tesla's Approach to EV Fire Response

Gary Ashley, Emergency Services Supervisor for Tesla, located in Fremont, California, and fire battalion chief, stated that there is more going on with an EV fire, and traditional tactics don't apply. He also expressed his disapproval of the promotion of literature marketing cutting or piercing tools designed to harm the battery pack. He made it clear that he and his fellow firefighters, as well as Tesla, would never endorse or support such tools.

Tesla provides an Emergency Response Guide for first and second responders, emphasizing certain safety precautions, including not recommending the use of foam on electric vehicles, assuming that all high voltage components are energized, and not compromising the high voltage battery pack with rescue tools.

Expert Opinion on Hazards

Adam Barrow of UL FSRI (Underwriter Laboratories Fire Safety Research Institute) had this to say: "There’s kind of a two-pronged hazard. There’s your fire hazard, which can be sort of rapidly developing in the case of e-bikes, and there’s this potential for an explosion."

Ginger Johnson, with the company Fire Cloak USA, says, "If the fire involves an electric car, it's a different ballgame. We do know that lithium-ion batteries, when they do go into thermal runaway, meaning that each cell is catching fire one by one by one and the temperature rises, and it also creates its own oxygen." Johnson says this makes EV fires more difficult to contain.

Challenges in Understanding and Preventing EV FiresResearchers are still working to fully understand the mechanisms behind thermal runaway, how to prevent it, and the most effective ways to extinguish EV fires.

--------------------------

RUFF FIRE is dedicated to challenging the status quo of the fire service. We believe, like the tiny particles dancing in a fire explained by the PENAM+ framework (Protons, Electrons, Neutrons, Atoms, and Molecules), that a fresh approach is key. Traditional ways are no longer enough. We must delve deeper into the science of fire, utilizing innovative technology and tactics to safeguard lives and property. As Einstein stated, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." The fire service needs a revolution, and RUFF FIRE is here to lead the charge.

At RUFF FIRE, we're committed to pushing boundaries. We actively experiment and embrace transformative advancements, all grounded in a scientific understanding of fire. Our goal? To save lives and protect property through groundbreaking ways. With unwavering determination, RUFF FIRE stands ready to pioneer a new era in fire service. Together, let's break the cycle of inefficiency and forge a safer future, informed by the fascinating dance of particles that is fire.