Firefighters at a training session learn how to tackle electric vehicle fires with new techniques and equipment.
New York State is mandating that 35% of passenger vehicles be electric by the end of the year, increasing to 100% by 2035. As adoption surges, firefighters are training for unique challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires, which require significantly more resources to extinguish than traditional vehicle fires. New legislation is underway to improve responsiveness, especially in rural fire departments facing funding limitations. With over 75,000 electric vehicles registered, the need for specialized equipment and training is critical as fire incidents involving EVs are expected to rise.
New York State is gearing up for a significant shift in its automotive landscape, with a state mandate requiring that all passenger cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks be 35% electric by the end of this year. This figure will rise to 68% by 2030 and reach 100% by 2035. As electric vehicle (EV) adoption surges, fire departments across the state are preparing for potential fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries commonly found in EVs.
Between 2022 and 2024, there were 26,372 accidents on New York’s Thruway system, with fewer than 2% (421) resulting in fires. While it remains unclear if any of those fires involved electric vehicles, it’s essential to note that EV fires are statistically rare. However, when such fires do occur, they pose unique challenges. Extinguishing an EV fire requires more resources and time compared to traditional vehicle fires, leading to increased concerns among first responders.
There have been reported incidents involving small lithium-ion battery fires that have led to fatalities, particularly in contexts like garbage trucks and apartment buildings. Acknowledging these risks, firefighters in New York are receiving specialized training on how to combat fires from electric vehicles. New legislation has been introduced to support this initiative and equip fire departments with the necessary tools and training.
Fire departments are facing challenges such as funding and resources, especially considering the extensive quantities of water required to combat EV fires. It can take up to 20,000 gallons of water to extinguish an EV fire, while a typical car fire may need only about 500 gallons. This stark difference places a strain on fire departments, particularly in rural areas where resources may be limited.
At training sessions conducted at Viridi in Buffalo, firefighters have had the opportunity to witness the severity of lithium-ion battery fires, including an explosion. The CEO of Viridi explained that resistance within these batteries can lead to dangerous situations, creating risks such as short circuits and overheating. As the demand for battery technology in energy storage continues to rise, so does the need for fire departments to stay prepared and informed.
Currently, there are over 75,000 electric vehicles registered in upstate New York, with Monroe County having the highest concentration. The Henrietta Fire District, which encompasses 21 miles of the Thruway, showcased a fire blanket designed specifically for containing EV fires to local fire departments. These blankets can contain flames, allowing firefighting crews to take control before using hoses to extinguish the fire.
The cost of these fire blankets ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, a substantial investment for many cash-strapped fire departments. Some departments have been encouraged to seek grant funding to help acquire such technologies. A national study indicated that approximately 40% of firefighters reported having no training on how to respond to electric vehicle incidents, underscoring the need for standardized training protocols.
In response, New York State Senator James Skoufis has sponsored a bill that establishes a dedicated EV emergency response training program. This program aims to provide focused training for firefighters, police officers, and EMS personnel, enhancing their ability to effectively manage EV-related emergencies.
Volunteer fire departments in rural areas, such as the Tsatsawassa Fire Department, have expressed concerns about the challenges of managing the water demands during EV fires. New York’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control has been proactive, conducting 132 training classes since 2023, equipping over 4,500 firefighters with essential knowledge and skills.
An understanding of proper extinguishing methods for lithium-ion battery fires is crucial for first responders, who must learn to manage cool cells while allowing damaged cells to burn out. Furthermore, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is creating guidance for the safe transport and disposal of lithium-ion batteries, a necessary step for public safety and environmental protection as electric vehicle adoption increases and incidents of EV-related fires rise.
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