ESI Equipment - High Voltage Battery Fire Awareness

Part of the ESI Equipment New Vehicle Technology Blended Learning Series

This interactive program is designed for rescuers who will respond to emergency incidents involving electric vehicles. Information presented will help responders learn more about firefighting tactics specific to electric vehicles. The discussions will also include recommendations from vehicle manufactures on post-crash fire management, cleanup, removal, and storage of electric vehicles previously involved in a fire or extrication incident.

Much like the popularity of Hybrid Electric Vehicles that started in the early 2000's, this type of vehicle is rapidly becoming the sought-after method of powering cars by many consumers in today's market. In 2023 there was approximately 1.4 million electric cars in the US. This technology is here to stay. All manufactures will continue introducing more designs in the coming years. There is a greater possibility of encountering this type of vehicle on roadway incidents that you respond to today.

The program is presented with PowerPoint using a selected quantity of images., photographs, video's, graphics, and charts assembled over the last 10 years. It is designated to follow standard vehicle rescue practices and adds information about "Best Practices" for fighting electric vehicle fire operations. This will help reduce possible injuries to responders from vehicles with high voltage batteries that are on fire.