Why Fire Blankets May Be Risky in Electric Vehicle Fires: New Research Findings
A Joint Safety Alert on EV Firefighting Tactics Two of the most respected organizations in fire safety research—the Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) and the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI)—have issued a joint notice warning of a potential explosion hazard related to the use of fire blankets during electric vehicle (EV) fire suppression. While fire blankets are often considered a quick solution for oxygen-starving flames, their use in EV fires involving battery thermal runaway may unintentionally increase danger for firefighters. AUTHOR Your Content Goes Here POSTED ON
Lithium-Ion Battery Fires and the Training Gap Facing Firefighters
Electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes, and scooters are no longer futuristic novelties—they’re part of everyday life. In 2023 alone, more than 3.5 million electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles were registered across the U.S., a sixfold increase since 2016. But as their presence grows, so do the risks—particularly fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. The video report by WBZ-TV Boston, titled “Are Firefighters Ready for Lithium-Ion Battery Fires?”, uncovers a crucial issue: many fire departments are underprepared to deal with this rapidly emerging hazard. With these battery fires burning hotter, longer, and often unpredictably, firefighters are racing to adapt.
Hurricane Helene Reveals Hidden Fire Threat: Lithium-Ion Batteries Pose Extreme Risk After Flooding
Florida Officials Sound Alarm After 16 Battery-Related Fires Post-Storm In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis has issued an urgent fire safety warning: lithium-ion batteries are acting like ticking time bombs in storm-affected areas. As of October 1, 2024, the Division of State Fire Marshal has confirmed 16 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries following Helene’s storm surge—six of those involving electric vehicles (EVs). The actual number may be higher as officials continue collecting data from across the state. “Saltwater and lithium-ion batteries are a deadly mix,” said Patronis, stressing that EVs,