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“Things People Should Know But Probably Don’t About Electric Car Fires: Learn the essential facts about electric car fires, how they differ from traditional car fires, prevention tips, and firefighting tactics. Stay informed and safe with our comprehensive guide.”
An Unexpected Blaze
Last summer, my friend Dave and I were on a road trip in his brand-new electric car, admiring the seamless drive and whisper-quiet engine. We stopped at a scenic overlook, enjoying the view when suddenly, a distant column of smoke caught our attention. It was another car, a few hundred yards away, engulfed in flames. To our shock, it was an electric car similar to Dave’s. As a retired firefighter and less educated on electric car fires, this incident spurred me into researching how they burn. For starters, do they burn differently in comparison to conventional gas driven engines? If so, what are the fire tactics being deployed to fight them? It’s undoubtably a topic many of us know little about but should. So here we go, things people should know about electric car fires, (but probably should).
How The Electric Vechile Works
Figure 1. How electric cars work
Understanding How Electric Cars Burn
Electric car fires, while less common than their gasoline counterparts, behave very differently. The primary cause of these fires is the lithium-ion battery packs. When damaged or subjected to extreme heat, these batteries can enter a state known as thermal runaway. In this state, the battery cells overheat and ignite, causing a chain reaction that can be incredibly difficult to control.
Unlike gasoline, which burns off relatively quickly, lithium-ion batteries can continue to burn for hours. They can also re-ignite multiple times, even after it seems like the fire has been put out. This persistent burning is due to the energy stored in the battery, which keeps fueling the fire.
Preventing Electric Car Fires
Prevention starts with proper maintenance and handling of electric cars. Here are a few tips to reduce the risk of fires:
1. Regular Inspections: Ensure that your electric car is regularly inspected by certified technicians who can check the battery’s condition.
2. Safe Charging Practices: Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and avoid overcharging the battery. Charging stations at home should be installed by professionals to ensure they meet safety standards.
3. Avoid Damage: Be mindful of parking and driving to avoid damaging the battery pack located typically under the car. Potholes, debris, or curbs can cause unseen damage that may lead to fires.
4. Software Updates: Keep your car’s software updated, as manufacturers often release updates that improve battery management and safety.
Why Electric Car Fires Are Different
Electric car fires differ significantly from conventional gasoline engine fires in several key ways:
1. Source of Fire: Gasoline fires are typically caused by fuel leaks or engine failures. In contrast, electric car fires usually start in the battery pack.
2. Intensity and Duration: Lithium-ion batteries burn hotter and longer than gasoline. They can reach temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Re-ignition: After being extinguished, electric car fires can re-ignite due to the energy still stored in the battery cells. This re-ignition can occur hours or even days later.
4. Toxic Fumes: Burning lithium-ion batteries release toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride, which can be harmful if inhaled.
Extinguishing Electric Car Fires
One of the most challenging aspects of electric car fires is the amount of water needed to extinguish them. It often takes tens of thousands of gallons of water to fully put out a fire in an electric vehicle. Here’s why:
1. Thermal Runaway: As mentioned earlier, once a battery enters thermal runaway (a condition in which an increase in temperature causes a further increase in temperature, often leading to a destructive reaction. In lithium-ion batteries, this occurs when the heat generated inside the battery exceeds the amount of heat that is dissipated, potentially causing the battery cells to catch fire or explode), it keeps generating heat. This heat can reignite the fire even after it’s been extinguished.
2. Cooling the Battery: The large amounts of water are necessary to cool the battery sufficiently to stop the thermal runaway process.
3. Access to the Battery: The battery pack is typically located in hard-to-reach areas, making it difficult for firefighters to directly cool it.
In some cases, specialized fire suppression agents designed to handle lithium-ion battery fires are used. These agents can help by cooling the battery faster and preventing re-ignition. Items like specalized blankets to put over the car to smother the flames.
What You Should Do If Your Car Catches Fire
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where your electric car catches fire, here are the steps you should follow to ensure your safety:
1. Pull Over Safely: As soon as you notice smoke or flames, pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine. Make sure you are away from traffic and any flammable materials.
2. Evacuate Immediately: Get everyone out of the car as quickly as possible. Do not attempt to retrieve personal belongings. Your safety is the priority.
3. Move to a Safe Distance: Once out of the car, move at least 100 feet away. Electric car fires can be unpredictable and may explode or release toxic fumes.
4. Call Emergency Services: Dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Inform them that you have an electric car fire, as this information is crucial for the responding firefighters.
5. Do Not Attempt to Extinguish the Fire: although there are fire extinguishers specifically designed for lithium-ion batteries I don’t recommend using it. Again, don’t attempt to put out the fire yourself. Electric car fires require special handling.
6. Warn Others: If possible, warn other motorists and bystanders to keep a safe distance from the burning vehicle.
Firefighting Tactics for Electric Car Fires
Firefighting electric car fires requires specific tactics due to the unique nature of these fires. Here are some strategies used by firefighters:
1. Isolation: Firefighters often isolate the vehicle to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures or vehicles. This involves creating a safe perimeter around the burning car.
2. Large Volumes of Water: As mentioned earlier, large amounts of water are used to cool the battery and extinguish the fire. Some fire departments have specialized equipment, like water curtains or deluge guns, to apply water more effectively.
3. Thermal Imaging: Thermal imaging cameras help firefighters detect hot spots and monitor the temperature of the battery. This technology is crucial for ensuring that the fire is completely extinguished and identifying any potential re-ignition points.
4. Use of Foam: In some cases, fire suppression foams specifically designed for lithium-ion battery fires are used. These foams can smother the fire and cool the battery more quickly than water alone.
5. Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential to disperse toxic fumes generated by burning batteries. Firefighters use ventilation fans and other equipment to ensure that toxic gases do not accumulate.
6. Monitoring for Re-ignition: Even after the fire is extinguished, firefighters continue to monitor the vehicle for hours or even days to prevent re-ignition. This involves periodic checks using thermal imaging cameras and other tools.
Stats on Electric Car Fires
To put the risk into perspective, here are some statistics on electric car fires:
– Incidence Rate: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electric vehicle fires occur at a rate of approximately 25 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold. This is compared to 1,530 incidents per 100,000 gasoline vehicles sold.
– Fire Severity: Although less frequent, electric car fires tend to be more severe due to the intense heat and prolonged burning time of lithium-ion batteries.
– Water Usage: On average, extinguishing an electric car fire can require up to 20,000 gallons of water, compared to about 1,000 gallons for a typical gasoline car fire.
– Response Time: The response time for electric car fires is generally longer due to the need for specialized equipment and tactics, which can impact overall firefighting efforts and resources.
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The bottom line
Electric cars represent a significant leap forward in automotive technology, but they come with their own set of risks that we must understand and mitigate. By knowing how electric car fires start, how to prevent them, what to do if your car catches fire, the unique challenges they present, and the specific firefighting tactics used to combat them, we can enjoy the benefits of electric vehicles while staying safe. The incident with Dave’s car was a wake-up call that underscored the importance of awareness and preparedness when it comes to this new frontier in transportation.
Stay informed, stay safe, and keep those wheels rolling smoothly on your electric adventures!
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Sources
– [National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – Electric Vehicle Fire Incidents](https://www.nfpa.org)
– [Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – Understanding Electric Car Fires](https://www.iihs.org)
– [Fire Engineering Magazine – Electric Vehicle Fires: Challenges and Tactics](https://www.fireengineering.com)
– [National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) – Safety Risks to Emergency Responders from Electric Vehicle Battery Fires](https://www.ntsb.gov)
Things People Should Know But Probably Don't 
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