Electric Car Fires: A New Nightmare for Firefighters
Forget petrol and diesel blazes—fires involving electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids with lithium-ion batteries are on a whole new level of danger. Thanks to a process called ‘thermal runaway,’ these batteries unleash stored energy as intense heat, fuelling fierce flames that are nearly impossible to douse.
Toxic Smoke and Rising Fire Risks
It’s not just the flames that are terrifying. EV fires release deadly fumes like hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide, putting anyone nearby at serious risk. With electric scooters, e-bikes, and commercial EVs booming in popularity, battery-related blazes have shot up, pushing fire crews to their limits.
Counties like Norfolk, Essex, and Kent are now rolling out two-unit responses for these blazes. London Fire Brigade’s deputy commissioner, Dom Ellis, warns that lithium battery fires are spiralling out of control. In 2023, London dealt with 143 such fires—an eight-fold jump from just 31 in 2020.
Fire Crews Face Long Battles and Big Bills
Blazing EV batteries need specialist training and gear, and the battle doesn’t end quickly. Fires can reignite days after seeming put out. Plus, these infernos gulp down massively more water—up to 6,600 gallons compared to 220–400 gallons for traditional car fires. Firefighters must also battle preventing toxic water runoff from polluting local waterways.
Training and Tech: Fire Services’ New Frontline
To tackle this growing threat, fire brigades are investing heavily in new techniques and recruiting officers skilled in hazardous materials. Experts stress robust training is critical to keep both firefighters and the public safe as the shift to electric wheels accelerates.
The National Fire Chiefs Council is watching closely, while research from Birmingham University urges deeper understanding and risk management for lithium-ion battery fires. With electric vehicles key to cutting carbon emissions, the stakes could not be higher.
