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"Electric Vehicle Fire/Rescue Response Operations" (July 2025):
🚒 The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has released a comprehensive guideline for Electric Vehicle Fire/Rescue Response Operations!
As EVs become more common on our roads, it is crucial for fire and emergency responders to adapt to the unique challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries, high-voltage systems, and thermal runaway risks.
Key highlights related to firefighting operations include:
✅ Tactical considerations for EV fires, including water supply needs
✅ Proper PPE usage and mandatory SCBA in EV incidents
✅ Safe vehicle identification and immobilization techniques
✅ Guidance on letting EV battery fires burn when exposures are controlled
✅ Decontamination procedures to reduce toxic exposure risks
The document provides essential guidance for fire, EMS, law enforcement, and recovery personnel responding to electric vehicle (EV) incidents. It addresses operational risks, tactics, equipment considerations, and evolving best practices as EV adoption accelerates.
1. Introduction & Trends
EV use is rapidly growing in the U.S., with 2.5 million EVs registered by mid-2023.
The industry faces knowledge gaps in battery behavior, fire suppression, and safe handling.
Most current EV response strategies lack scientific validation.
2. EV Background & Technology
Types of EVs: BEVs, PHEVs, HEVs.
Components: batteries, high-voltage systems, charging ports, and powertrains.
EVs often resemble ICE vehicles, complicating identification.
3. Risk Assessment
Thermal Runaway: A key hazard where overheated battery cells trigger chain reactions.
Electric Shock & Stranded Energy: Live components can remain energized even post-crash.
Deflagration: Subsonic combustion risks.
Delayed Reignition: Fires can reoccur hours or days after extinguishment.
4. Tactical & Operational Guidance
PPE: Full structural gear and SCBA are essential.
Firefighting: Use copious water unless exposures are at risk; consider letting fires burn out if safe.
Rescue & Extrication: Avoid high-voltage areas; consult OEM Emergency Response Guides (ERGs).
EMS: Prioritize rapid patient removal due to volatile vehicle conditions.
5. Recovery & Disposal
EVs may reignite post-incident.
Transport using flatbeds; avoid rolling drive wheels.
Isolate damaged vehicles 50+ feet from structures/vehicles.
6. Case Studies
Real-world EV fire incidents (e.g., crashes, reignitions, flooding) demonstrate:
High water usage (up to 36,000 gallons).
Battery reignition challenges.
Unique hazards post-saltwater submersion (flood zones).
7. Knowledge Gaps & Recommendations
Need for:
More research into fire suppression and decontamination.
Better industry monitoring and data sharing.
Updated training programs and responder awareness.
Fire service involvement in code and standard development (e.g., NFPA 855, UL 9540A).
8. Appendices
Model SOPs for various EV-related scenarios (fires, EMS, extrication, salvage yards).
Dispatch call guidance for EV incidents.
Tactical worksheet templates.
OEM ERG examples and resources.
EV-related incidents present evolving challenges for emergency responders. Reliable and up-to-date response strategies are crucial, supported by standardized ERGs and continued research into lithium-ion battery behavior and suppression tactics.
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