As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, firefighters face new challenges when responding to EV fires. Traditional firefighting methods don’t always work effectively on lithium-ion battery fires, making it crucial for emergency responders to adapt. One emerging tool in the fight against EV fires is the EV fire blanket.
What is an EV fire blanket?
An EV fire blanket is a specially designed, heat-resistant cover used to suppress fires in electric vehicles. Made from high-temperature-resistant materials, such as fiberglass or silica-based fabrics, these blankets are designed to withstand extreme heat which is necessary to contain EV fires.
Firefighters love testing new tactics and tools, but some methods simply don’t address the key issue with EV fires
How do EV fire blankets work?
- Smothering the fire: When placed over a burning vehicle, an EV fire blanket cuts off oxygen to the flames, helping to reduce the fire’s intensity.
- Containing toxic smoke: EV fires release hazardous gases, including hydrogen fluoride and carbon monoxide. The blanket helps contain these dangerous emissions, improving safety for both firefighters and bystanders.
- Preventing fire spread: Lithium-ion battery fires can spread quickly. The fire blanket acts as a barrier to prevent flames and heat from affecting nearby vehicles, buildings, or structures.
How to use an EV fire blanket
- Assess the fire: Ensure a safe approach and determine if the fire blanket is the right tool for the situation.
- Deploy the blanket: At least two firefighters should carefully pull the blanket over the burning vehicle, fully covering it.
- Wait for containment: The fire should lose intensity within minutes, but the vehicle may need to remain covered for several hours to prevent re-ignition.
- Monitor and remove: After containment, firefighters should use thermal imaging to check for residual heat before safely removing the blanket.
Limitations of EV fire blankets
- They do not fully extinguish battery fires. They mainly contain and suppress flames while mitigating risks.
- For deeply involved battery fires, additional cooling (such as submersion or prolonged water application) may still be needed.
- EV fire blankets require proper training and deployment techniques to be most effective.
In the meantime, we must work with partner agencies to develop a workable plan to contain and move the electric car
EV fire blankets are a valuable tool for modern firefighting, helping to control the spread of electric vehicle fires and reduce their hazards. While they are not a standalone solution, they offer firefighters an added layer of protection when dealing with difficult EV-related incidents.
As electric vehicle adoption continues to rise, equipping fire departments with these blankets — and the knowledge to use them effectively — can make a significant difference in improving safety and response efficiency.
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