The topic of fire safety for electric cars returns with the growing popularity of zero-emission drives. Many myths have grown around it, which may be due to the lack of common knowledge about methods for dealing with an electric car fire. As experts emphasize, practicing the extinguishing of such vehicles is becoming an indispensable element of the training offer for firefighters. All the more so, as available methods and good practices are constantly evolving.
Data from the National Fire Service shows that in 2021, there were two fires of electric cars in Poland. In 2022, there were seven, and in 2023, there were 21. Data from SPIE Building Solutions shows that in 2023, one in 2806 cars on Polish roads was caught in a fire. Among low-emission vehicles (electric and hybrids), one in 10,883 units caught fire. Experts indicate that statistically, electric cars catch fire much less often than those with traditional drives, but the character of the fire is different. Energy storage systems in electric and hybrid plug-in vehicles, based on lithium-ion technology, are a factor increasing the likelihood of a rapid combustion process.
“Firefighting actions during events involving electric cars are specifically intended for employee services. They should be conducted by firefighters who base their actions on knowledge and recognition carried out on the spot, information that they acquire based on either materials or equipment. This allows them to assess the situation or the degree of risk when it comes to taking firefighting actions,” says Bartosz Klich from the Association of Independent Fire Experts.
It is crucial to identify what is burning in the car when extinguishing an electric vehicle. It is, however, recommended to apply water to the battery compartment.
“If the fire involves the battery, you should focus on it and reach inside. As a result of the application of water or another extinguishing agent, we can lower the temperature, thus take control of the situation. We can achieve this effect if we apply the water from the outside. However, the delay will be considerable,” explains Bartosz Klich. “There are various methods to pierce the inside. Still, there are tools that allow us to apply from the underside, from the bottom. We can also drill through the floor lining from the top, where our feet are, make a hole and introduce an extinguishing agent there.”
Water is a good firefighting medium because it quickly reaches the source of the fire, and it quickly achieves the effect of extinguishing. Another advantage is easy access to hydrants and transport that does not require special conditions.
Klich emphasizes that as the demand for training in extinguishing such vehicles is constantly growing. “Our association transfers good and tested solutions from abroad to our ground. We don’t try to invent anything; there is no time for that, as automotive and electromobility are changing so fast that trying to come up with our own solutions may be ineffective.”
In May 2023, the National Fire Service’s updated document “Standard procedures during events with electric and hybrid cars” was published. Working on the material, the team members analyzed solutions and equipment used in other countries in Europe, recommendations from car manufacturers, analyzed available research and tests in this area, and participated in training courses carried out by car manufacturers. They also prepared recommendations on fire protection for buildings where electric vehicles are parked and charged, pointing mainly to two key points: installing automatic devices detecting fire, smoke, or elevated temperature and informing the fire brigade about these phenomena, which allows for firefighting actions at an early stage, and using measures that limit the ability of fire to spread freely.
