Firefighters tackle electric vehicle (EV) fires by focusing on three critical goals: managing the thermal runaway in the lithium-ion battery, ensuring the high-voltage system is de-energized, and using vast amounts of water to cool the battery pack. Unlike a gasoline fire that can be extinguished by smothering, a burning EV battery is a chemical fire that produces its own oxygen, making cooling the only effective way to stop the reaction.
The standard procedure involves a massive and sustained water application. While initial attack might use a standard hose line, the real challenge is the battery pack, which can reignite hours or even days after the initial fire is out. Firefighters often pierce the battery case with specialized piercing nozzles to inject water directly into the battery modules. Alternatively, they may submerge the entire vehicle in a water-filled container or pit for an extended period—sometimes 24 hours or more—to ensure complete cooling.
Safety is paramount. The first step is to confirm the vehicle is powered off. Firefighters use thermal imaging cameras to locate the battery's hottest cells and monitor for signs of thermal runaway. They also maintain a safe perimeter due to the risk of toxic fumes and potential projectiles from exploding battery cells.
Data from fire service training and incident reports highlight the resource-intensive nature of these events. The table below summarizes key operational data points.
| Operational Aspect | Data Point / Fact |
|---|
| Typical Water Volume | 3,000 - 8,000 gallons (compared to ~300 gallons for a gas car) |
| Extinguishing Time | Can require constant water flow for 30+ minutes to cool the battery |
| Re-ignition Risk | Battery packs can reignite hours or days after the initial incident |
| Thermal Runaway Temp | Can exceed 752°F (400°C) within the battery cell |
| Toxic Fumes | Emits hydrogen fluoride (HF) and other hazardous gases |
| Standard Procedure | NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) provides evolving guidelines |
| High-Voltage Cut | Disabling the 12-volt battery is a common first step to isolate the HV system |
Ultimately, putting out an EV fire is less about rapid extinction and more about controlled, prolonged cooling and thorough overhaul to prevent re-ignition.
