Electric cars are great, there is no doubt. But when things heat up, and it’s a fire, the situation changes. Emergency services, including firefighters and roadside assistance, face completely different challenges than fires caused by vehicles powered by thermal energy.
This difference has raised justified concerns about the safety of these brave workers. An electric vehicle fire is not only more difficult to extinguish, but can also be more dangerous due to the release of toxic gases and the need for large amounts of water to control it.
The incident last Christmas Eve on Interstate 65, where a Tesla Model Y was engulfed in flames, is a clear example of these problems. Although the driver was uninjured, Pine Level firefighters needed a staggering 36,000 gallons of water – 136,274 liters of water – putting the magnitude of the problem into perspective.
In light of these events, and although it is not something that is common, authorities have begun to reconsider and adapt their response protocols. The intensity of the fire, which can reach up to 2,500 degrees Celsius, and the release of hazardous substances such as fluoride and hydrogen chloride during combustion require specialized treatment and advanced protective equipment for rescuers. This is an important challenge, given that the type of fire may resist being extinguished with conventional methods.
Collaboration between different fire departments and emergency services, as seen in the Pine Level case, highlights the need for teamwork and considerable resources. The possibility of vehicle rekindling hours or days after extinguishment requires continued vigilance and strategies tailored to the persistent nature of these fires. In turn, this reality is driving demand for specialized training for firefighters, preparing them to effectively deal with electric car fires.
