Battery & Eletrical Vehicle Fires (medium)

Incident Command and Safety

• Consult with the Incident Commander to determine if evacuations or rescues are needed.
• Approach any battery incident with the ACRE (Assess, Control Hazards, Rescue, Evacuate) method.
• When dealing with battery emergencies, conduct a thorough risk assessment by considering the potential hazards, control methods, likelihood of harm, and benefits of intervention.
• Reduce heat stress on batteries and battery cells with water, which is the most effective method.
• Always treat batteries as energized and avoid contact with high-voltage components.

Rescue and Evacuation

• Ensure proper methods and equipment are used to separate civilians and unprotected personnel from hazards.
• Remove victims from the immediate area to a safe location.
• Provide decontamination measures to victims if needed.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

• Consider the hazards to personnel and victims, the team’s ability to control them, the probability of harm, and the expected benefits of intervention.
• Consult with technical specialists and refer to specific battery and technical guides for appropriate materials.
• Develop and communicate incident objectives and obtain approval from the Incident Commander to implement them.
• Consider partnering with outside agencies for assistance and create a plan for disposing of damaged batteries.

Battery Types

• Disposable Alkaline batteries: Use standard extinguishment techniques (water, dry chemical, CO2).
• Disposable Lithium Metal batteries: Water can suppress small fires. Consider using a Class D agent (Copper preferred, Graphite is effective).
• Note: Sodium Chloride (NaCl) is ineffective for lithium fires.
• Lead Acid batteries: Check for LEL and CO levels. Consider dry chemicals for fire suppression and neutralization for any spills. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for guidance.
• Lithium-ion batteries:
  • If possible, consider allowing battery fires to burn out safely.
  • Extinguish visible fires with water or an appropriate extinguishing agent.
  • Use a charged hoseline or appropriate extinguishing mechanism when near a battery that has been exposed to thermal, physical, or electrical abuse.
  • Ensure proper ventilation of the area.
  • Cool adjacent battery cells with water.
  • Utilize a thermal imager to monitor battery cell temperatures.
  • Disconnect batteries from chargers when feasible.
  • Removal from inside to outside should only be done after a thorough risk assessment.
  • Consider using specialty fire bags or fire blankets to protect batteries during removal to prevent damage and the spread of fire.
  • Ensure a safe path of travel outside of a structure, consider using a suppression capability throughout the path, and never allow personnel to transport batteries in an elevator.
  • Damaged batteries should be placed in a battery containment device or overpack when possible.
  • Check for battery cells that have been ejected from a battery pack; these should be considered damaged.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Assess battery pack involvement in any EV-related incident.
• Consult the manufacturer guide when available.
• After a thorough risk assessment, consider non-intervention for EV fire involvement.
• If intervention is necessary, ensure proper exposure protection and utilize the EV nozzle for suppression and cooling.

Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

• Determine the size, location, and number of involved ESSs.
• Establish control zones, deny entry, and account for potential explosions and additional fire hazards.
• Monitor for flammable and toxic gas buildups within the affected area.
• Ensure adequate ventilation.
• Restrict operations within the hot zone to necessary life safety needs.
• Contact the responsible party or emergency numbers listed for the ESS facility and arrange for specialist support.
• Consider providing exposure protection and collaborating with the Incident Commander, RP, and Technical Specialists for a mitigation plan.

Exposure Medical Care

• Ensure proper evaluation and transportation to appropriate facilities for patients exposed to smoke from a battery fire.

Test your knowledge on the critical protocols for incident command and safety procedures. This quiz covers the ACRE method, risk assessment, and evacuation strategies related to battery incidents. Learn how to ensure the safety of both personnel and victims during emergencies.