The Potential Health & Environment Hazards of EV Fires
There is a growing emphasis on the health & environmental hazards that pose a risk with EV fires. While the potentially hazardous conditions of lithium-ion fires are less frequent than internal combustion (IC) engine fires based on statistics, the thermal release and toxicity of gases produced by Li-ion battery fires are exponentially more hazardous. With the progress of the fire service adapting towards upcoming issues associated with electric vehicle (EV) fires, our plans, processes, or safety measures must be revisited.
A significant concern in these fires is the emission of toxic gases. These gases are flammable and toxic, as well as corrosive; firefighters health can be negatively impacted, in the broader context of the ongoing conversation around firefighters & cancer. Studies continue to demonstrate a concerning link between fire service individuals exposure to combustion byproducts and increased cancer risk. Protective measures are becoming increasingly important.
When we mitigate EV fires, full personal protective equipment (PPE) with SCBA is absolutely required. The gas produced can vary based on a variety of factors including the battery’s state of charge, material make-up and fire involvement. The most concerning and notable gases produced include
- Hydrogen
- Carbon Monoxide
- Methane
- Hydrogen Fluoride (HF)
- Carbon Dioxide
- Ethylene
- Oxygen
The Chemicals Involved in EV Fires
Of particular note is Hydrogen Fluoride (HF). HF is a common by product of lithium ion battery fires and many other chemical substances. When HF encounters moisture, it creates Hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is corrosive organic material that can chemically burn and cause permanent damage to the respiratory system. Given the corrosive and toxic nature of HF, HF not only demonstrates the need for good quality PPE, establishing better after fire decontamination practices (to reduce chronic exposure) is critical to ensure firefighter safety during and after active firefighting.
To add another layer of difficulty to this situation, when batteries break down, they also produce oxygen from the batteries themselves, thus limiting our ability to smother them with one of our usual suppression methods. In the case of a fire blanket, although we can prevent further spread of the fire, it is recommended to use a fire blanket with a cooling nozzle. This is where the Poseidon Nozzle comes in.
To add to our problem, we have hydrocarbon gases coming from an EV fire which increases the amount of flammable gas—so when oxygen comes into the mix, we may have an explosive situation. In some situations, these fires become high BTU production fires which requires high cooling methods and high energy suppression techniques. In this case again, the Poseidon Nozzle or a vehicle-composed only type of EV fire nozzle can create a highly efficient tactical decision process, and added firefighter safety.
How many gas types and in what amounts will also be undetermined, depending on the amount of charge in the battery and the chemical make-up of the battery parts and electrolyte. As mentioned this also reiterates the need for a thorough scene assessment and equipment resources.
The Need for On-Scene Gear Decontamination
When it is all over, the dirty operation of decontaminating fire equipment and gear, before heading back to quarters is an absolute necessity. Contaminated turnout gear can be a prolonged source of exposure to carcinogens if it is not properly cleaned. Departments have to have strict after fire decontamination plans when protocol requires firefighters to be exposed to the elements of an EV or, lithium-ion battery incident.
In summary, lithium-ion battery fires, introduce a host of ‘new’ problems for fire departments. While these fires are currently more infrequent than conventional vehicle fires, the danger is exponentially higher than IC vehicle fires because of the gas effects and self-oxygenating characteristics of the battery cells. Firefighters will need to adapt their PPE & Gear/Equipment decontamination process, as well as selecting an appropriate under vehicle EV Fire Nozzle. Electric vehicles are becoming a more substantial part of our lives. It is time to prepare, and train ourselves to take every step possible to be safe and to try to reduce the up-to-date, long term health problems such as firefighters & cancer.
