In all areas of today’s world, we are experiencing new and upcoming innovations and challenges. In the world of automobiles, electric vehicles are growing in popularity and come with new challenges to firefighters.  

Both the Medway and Millis fire departments have had recent trainings specific to battery fires, which can require a different response than a gas vehicle fire.  

“It is when an electric vehicle’s battery becomes involved or is the reason for the fire” that it has to be dealt with in a different way because of high voltage and possible reignition days after the fire, says Millis Fire Chief Richard Barrett.  

Two of the biggest fire challenges for EVs are (1) the battery case – essentially a waterproof and fireproof box - can be difficult to access so, if the fire is trapped inside the case, it can take several hours to extinguish; and (2) the foam and dry chemicals typically used on gas vehicle fires are not effective on EV battery fires. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association’s Electric Vehicle Emergency Field Guide, “If the battery pack fire needs to be extinguished, copious amounts of water must be applied to the battery case. The goal is to cool the adjacent battery cells to a point below their ignition temperatures. The remaining cells on fire, if not extinguished by the water, will burn themselves out…The electrolyte in the high voltage battery is flammable but will not explode.” 

After the fire is extinguished, the vehicle should be stored and closely monitored in case of reignition. 

Chief Barrett says Millis obtained a Firefighter Safety Grant that allowed them to purchase safety equipment including fire extinguishing blankets, an EV utility nozzle, and an EV “Emergency-Plug” and the additional tools needed for Tesla.  

When the “Emergency-Plug” is plugged into an EV, the vehicle thinks it is charging and will disable all systems. If the vehicle is still in driving mode, the plug will put the vehicle into park and disable it. This is important because, on some EVs, the only way to turn off the vehicle is for the driver (whose cell phone technology acts as the ‘key’) to be out of range of the vehicle; therefore, if the driver is stuck inside, the EV will think the vehicle is still in use. 

Medway Fire Chief Michael Fasolino advises, “If you are involved in an accident with an EV, make sure you have a certified EV technician inspect the vehicle.” 

Both fire chiefs encourage EV drivers to keep up with safety inspections, follow guidelines according to the manufacturer (including overcharging), and be familiar with the safety features of their specific vehicle. 

Theresa Knapp contributed to this article