Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly common sight on our roads—and they’re also one of the topics we’re asked about most often at Lewes Fire Department Community Outreach events.

While EV technology isn’t new, these vehicles present some different considerations for firefighters and first responders than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Here are a few things we think every driver should know.

Yes, the Lewes Fire Department Has EVs

The Lewes Fire Department currently owns two electric pickup trucks that are used primarily as staff vehicles. They generally do not respond to emergency incidents but may be used during cleanup or to transport equipment back to our stations.

Both vehicles, along with their charging equipment, were obtained at no cost to the Department through a grant program.

What Is Thermal Runaway?

Today’s EVs are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If a battery is damaged, overheats or malfunctions, it can enter a process known as thermal runaway.

When this occurs, the battery continues to generate heat rather than cool down, potentially resulting in a fire. These fires can develop with little warning and burn at extremely high temperatures—often exceeding 1,500°F.

Why EV Fires Are Challenging

An EV battery fire presents some unique challenges for firefighters. The extreme heat and chemical reactions occurring within the battery can make the fire difficult to extinguish and may require a significant amount of water to control.

Depending on the circumstances, LFD may allow an EV battery fire to burn itself out if no nearby structure or other property is threatened. This approach can help limit the large volume of water required and concerns associated with contaminated runoff.

Stay Away From the Smoke

Burning EV batteries can release toxic gases, including hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen fluoride, which can be extremely dangerous when inhaled.

If you encounter an EV that is on fire, move away from the vehicle immediately and stay upwind and away from the smoke. Call 911 and allow firefighters to handle the emergency.

EVs Also Change How We Approach Vehicle Rescues

In many EVs, the battery pack extends beneath much of the vehicle’s floor. That becomes an important consideration if firefighters need to extricate someone following a collision.

Unlike with a conventional vehicle, firefighters must avoid applying downward force in areas where it could damage the battery. Doing so could potentially trigger thermal runaway.

That means our crews may need to use different strategies and tactics during an EV rescue—and Lewes Fire Department personnel are trained to respond to these situations.

Are EVs More Likely to Catch Fire?

Despite the attention EV fires often receive, statistics cited by LFD indicate fewer fires per capita involving EVs compared with conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. We have also seen very few EV fires in Delaware.

The concern for firefighters is less about how frequently these fires occur and more about the unique challenges they can present when they do.

A Charging Safety Recommendation From LFD

If you own an EV, the Lewes Fire Department recommends charging it outside of your garage when possible.

Although an EV fire is unlikely, a vehicle fire inside an attached garage can expose the home to intense heat and allow the fire to spread rapidly into the structure.

Have Questions? Ask Us.

Community education is an important part of what we do. If your neighborhood, HOA, organization or business would like to learn more about electric vehicles—or another fire and life-safety topic—our Community Outreach team would be happy to help.

Lewes Fire Department Community Outreach Coordinators
Gary Bennett: [email protected]
Rick Schappert: [email protected]