"Is the Rise in Electric Car Fires Putting Crews on High Alert?"

Essex Fire and Rescue Service is introducing a new course on dealing with electric vehicle (EV) fires due to the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles on the roads. As the adoption of electric vehicles rises, so does the likelihood of encountering incidents involving these vehicles, including fires.

Unlike traditional combustion engine vehicles, EVs contain high-voltage battery systems that pose unique challenges for firefighters in terms of safety and extinguishing methods. Therefore, fire crews must receive specialized training in handling EV fires to effectively mitigate risks and ensure the safety of both responders and the public. By prioritizing this training, Essex Fire and Rescue Service aims to enhance the preparedness and capabilities of its crews in responding to emergencies involving electric vehicles.

Terry Maher, formerly a station manager within the fire service, has transitioned into a new role as the lead officer for handling lithium-ion battery fires. His expertise in hazardous materials makes him well-suited for this position. With the increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs) on UK roads, surpassing 540,000, Maher's role becomes crucial.

Maher emphasizes that while EV fires are infrequent, they present unique challenges compared to fires involving conventionally-fueled vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries, the source of the fire in EVs, are often difficult to access. Moreover, EV fires can produce directional jet flames and vapour cloud explosions.

Additionally, EV fires release various toxic chemicals into the air and water runoff, posing environmental hazards for firefighters. Maher suggests a cautious approach, preferring to allow these fires to burn out on their own when possible.

Furthermore, Maher notes that not all recovery companies are equipped to handle burned EVs. Some are hesitant due to safety concerns, while others lack the specialized recovery vehicles required. Unlike conventional vehicles, EVs cannot be towed because towing can generate power through the turning of the back wheels.

Maher's new role underscores the importance of preparedness and specialized knowledge in addressing the challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of EVs on the roads.

Terry Maher highlights the challenges encountered during an incident involving a Tesla last year, where police and firefighters had to wait over four hours for a specialized recovery vehicle to arrive. This delay underscores the need for improved infrastructure and resources to handle EV-related emergencies effectively.

Moreover, Maher points out a concerning aspect of EV fires: the potential for reignition weeks after the initial incident. This phenomenon necessitates the quarantine of damaged EVs, even after the flames seem extinguished. Compared to the relatively swift handling of fires in petrol or diesel vehicles, EV fire incidents require significantly more time and resources, especially if water has been used, which can exacerbate the situation due to the release of toxic chemicals.

Maher's observations highlight the growing importance of preparedness and training for emergency responders as the use of electric vehicles becomes more prevalent. With the expected increase in EV adoption, there's a corresponding likelihood of more incidents involving electric vehicle fires, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these challenges proactively.

The lack of available data on electric vehicle (EV) fires presents a significant challenge for fire services in adequately understanding and preparing for this emerging risk.

Without accurate statistics, it's difficult for fire services to assess the extent of the problem and allocate resources effectively.

In response to inquiries by the BBC, fire services across the UK were unable to provide reliable figures on the number of EV fires they had responded to in the past three years. This is because EV fires are not typically distinguished from other types of vehicle fires in their records.

Some fire services attempted to identify EV-related incidents by conducting text searches for terms like "electric" in their vehicle fire records. However, this method may not capture all relevant incidents, leading to underreporting.

For example, text searches conducted by certain fire services revealed 59 references to electric vehicle fires in 2022-23, compared to 30 in the previous year. Terry Maher, the lead officer for tackling lithium-ion battery fires, suggests that the actual number of EV fires is likely higher than reported, possibly double the recorded figure.

The lack of comprehensive data underscores the need for standardized reporting mechanisms and improved data collection practices within fire services. Without accurate information on the frequency and characteristics of EV fires, fire services may struggle to develop effective strategies for prevention, response, and mitigation. Addressing this data gap is essential for enhancing public safety and ensuring that fire services are adequately equipped to handle the challenges posed by the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.

Terry Maher notes that Essex Fire Service has taken proactive steps to improve data collection by recording all lithium battery fires by type. This approach allows for a better understanding of the unique challenges posed by these incidents and helps in planning for future responses.

In response to the BBC's inquiry about the lack of specific recording of EV fires by fire services, a spokesperson from the Home Office acknowledged the issue. They stated that the incident reporting system is under review, with consideration being given to collecting data on fires involving lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles, e-scooters, and e-bikes.

This response indicates a recognition at the governmental level of the importance of accurately documenting and analyzing incidents involving emerging technologies such as electric vehicles. By improving data collection practices, authorities can gain insights into the prevalence and characteristics of EV-related fires, enabling them to develop more targeted strategies for prevention and response.

Overall, these initiatives represent positive steps toward enhancing public safety and ensuring that emergency services are adequately prepared to address the challenges posed by the increasing use of electric vehicles and related technologies.

Terry Maher emphasizes the importance of conducting research into battery storage and fires, as well as the necessity for specialized training and equipment to effectively tackle such incidents. He stresses the need for proper regulation of battery manufacturing, usage, and storage to ensure the safety of communities and firefighters.

In response, the Home Office affirms the government's commitment to providing fire services with the necessary resources to safeguard the public. They mention that fire services are slated to receive approximately £2.6 billion in funding for the fiscal year 2023-24. This funding allocation underscores the government's recognition of the critical role played by fire services in public safety and the need to support them adequately.

Despite efforts to gather additional insights, the BBC did not receive a response from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders regarding the matter. Their input could have provided valuable perspectives on the industry's stance and potential collaborations with stakeholders to address concerns related to battery safety and regulation.

Overall, these statements highlight the ongoing dialogue and actions being taken to address the challenges associated with battery-related fires, emphasizing collaboration between government agencies, fire services, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to enhance safety measures and protect communities.