Firefighters Need New Protocols In Electric Car Fires

As the number of electric cars increase on the road

, the landscape also is adapting to include them in their daily lives. Many gas stations now have electric charging stations to patrons driving electric cars.

Another aspect of daily car life that is also adjusting is firefighter safety protocols when dealing with electric cars. The car design presents special hazards very different from gasoline-powered cars. According to the Education Director of Fire Service Education and Training at the Wisconsin Technical College System, Mr. Peter Silva, "There's a lot more to worry about with electric vehicles - it's not just a gas fire or jagged metal anymore. Now there's high voltage electricity."

One of the first detachments to learn the new protocols is the La Crosse Fire Department. It is now conducting training sessions on emergency response to electric vehicle emergencies. Three of its fire fighters have been tasked to attend electric-car training at the Volk Field Air National Guard Base in Camp Douglas. This program is part of the NFPA's national Electric Vehicle Safety Training Project, a $4.4 million project funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

The training dispels myths and upholds truths about electric cars. One myth clearly debunked is when the electric car is submerged it would send out an electric shock. Another training provided is in the use of the Jaws of Life because of the several wires that run through the interior of the car that is coated with bright orange rubber coating. Other myths include short circuiting when the electric car rolls over, which is untrue and there is an off switch when the battery is not in use, untrue as the battery continues to provide electric power and needs to be depowered by authorized personnel. Also included is the safe handling of Lithium-Ion batteries especially in accident incidents in light of the latest investigation conducted by federal agencies regarding battery fires that occur with electric cars.

The first step is through identification of the type of vehicle as the car design of electric vehicle resembles gasoline-powered vehicles. To differentiate the vehicle design, checking the front and rear fenders would indicate a label for electric vehicles. Then, checking under the hood would be the next step after ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers.

The National Fire Protection Association is predicting that there would be one million electric vehicles on the road by 2015. This though would be a small number compared to the overall number of cars and other vehicles sold in the US market.

by: Bobby Castro

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