Summary
– Arvada Firefighters have new tools to battle electric vehicle fires, including an electric vehicle fire blanket and the turtle fire system
– EV fires are dangerous and challenging to put out due to high temperatures and difficulty reaching the battery under the car
– The turtle fire system sprays 500 gallons of water per minute to cool the battery and protect surrounding structures
– The EV fire blanket can be placed over the vehicle to contain heat and smoke, protecting nearby structures
– The tools were purchased with a grant from Friends of Arvada Fire, enhancing the department’s ability to respond to EV fires and protect firefighters and property
Article
Firefighters at Arvada Fire have recently acquired two new tools to assist them in battling electric vehicle fires. The electric vehicle fire blanket and the turtle fire system have been added to their firefighting arsenal, enhancing their ability to combat these challenging and dangerous fires. With the battery of electric vehicles located underneath the car, it is difficult to reach and extinguish the fires. Additionally, EV fires burn at much higher temperatures, reaching around 2,800 degrees, making them particularly challenging to manage.
Battalion Chief Jamie Dennison emphasized the importance of these new tools in protecting life and property during EV fires. The turtle fire system, resembling a giant lawn sprinkler, can spray around 500 gallons of water per minute, cooling the battery and protecting the surrounding asphalt and concrete. This system not only protects what is underneath the car but also helps to cool and reduce the release of toxic gases during the fire. The EV fire blanket, weighing around 50 pounds, can be placed over large vehicles on fire, covering the vehicle and containing heat and smoke underneath.
Prior to the acquisition of these new tools, Arvada firefighters did not have specialized equipment for responding to electric vehicle fires. While they have encountered lithium-ion battery fires in electric scooters and e-bikes, responding to EV fires presented new challenges. With the new tools, firefighters are now training on coordinated approaches to EV fire scenes, ensuring a more effective and safe response. The department feels better equipped and prepared to respond to potential electric vehicle fires, limiting exposure to firefighters and enhancing their ability to manage these unique fire situations.
EV fires can be particularly challenging to extinguish, taking hours and potentially re-igniting for up to 30 days after the initial fire. The blanket used in extinguishing the fire is a one-time use item, while the turtle fire system can be reused as needed, even in conventional engine car fires. Both tools were purchased through a grant from Friends of Arvada Fire, with the blanket costing around $1,500 and the turtle fire system around $3,000. The department now has improved resources to handle EV fires effectively and protect both their firefighters and the surrounding community in the event of an electric vehicle fire.
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