News Summary
A recent electric vehicle fire in Virginia Beach raised concerns about the dangers of parking EVs in enclosed spaces. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. The Virginia Beach Fire Department emphasized the challenges of extinguishing EV fires, as traditional methods are often ineffective. Capt. Jake Forestiere shared that a new response matrix is in place, including specialized equipment to better manage EV fires. While EV fires are less common than gas-powered vehicle fires, their complexity poses a significant challenge for firefighters, underscoring the need for specialized training.
Virginia Beach Fire Highlights Unique Risks of Electric Vehicles
A recent electric vehicle (EV) fire took place in a commercial garage on Bayside Road in Virginia Beach, raising concerns about the distinct dangers associated with parking EVs in enclosed spaces. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident. The Virginia Beach Fire Department released a video showcasing the aftermath of the fire, emphasizing its severity and the unique challenges that such fires present to firefighters.
In response to these challenges, Capt. Jake Forestiere from the Virginia Beach Fire Department noted that an updated response matrix has been put in place, which includes specific protocols for dealing with EV fires. Compared to conventional gas-powered vehicle fires, EV fires are significantly more complex to extinguish. Traditional methods, such as using large quantities of water, are often ineffective for EV incidents.
To combat this issue, the Virginia Beach Fire Department has equipped their Rescue 2 vehicle with a specialized fire blanket designed to smother EV fires, thus providing a more effective means of containment. In the event of an EV fire, it is strongly advised that owners maintain a safe distance from their vehicle, as the risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires can be substantial.
Fire Statistics and Incidence Rates
According to studies from the National Transportation Safety Board, electric vehicles encounter approximately 25 fires per 100,000 vehicles. In contrast, gas-powered vehicles have a much higher incidence rate of 1,530 fires per 100,000 vehicles. Despite Virginia boasting over 130,000 registered EVs, this number pales in comparison to the millions of gas-powered vehicles on the roads, indicating that while EV fires represent a specific risk, they are less common overall.
In light of these risks, EV driver Shamonte Prater expressed her view that the benefits of owning an electric vehicle far exceed the associated risks. Prater reports spending roughly $12 per week on charging her EV and feels secure in her decision to drive an electric vehicle.
Challenges in Firefighting Techniques
Capt. Forestiere reiterated that lithium-ion batteries are designed with safety in mind, making EVs intrinsically safe. However, complications can arise, as seen in a recent incident in Chesterfield where an electric vehicle fire involved an SUV that overturned after veering off the road. The resulting damage to the batteries led to a phenomenon known as “thermal runaway,” where battery cells can heat up to 1,200 degrees and may explode.
Firefighters in Chesterfield encountered significant difficulties while responding to this EV fire because the battery pans are sealed, complicating their ability to extinguish the fire using water. The response time for managing an electric vehicle fire dramatically extended, taking nearly four hours to control the situation, in stark contrast to the typical hour required for standard vehicle fires.
To address the unique characteristics of EV fires, crews now utilize unmanned aircraft equipped with thermal imaging cameras to identify battery hotspots during incidents. This technology assists them in managing the situation more effectively and safely.
Training and Preparation for Firefighters
Chesterfield firefighters have been undergoing specialized training focused on electric vehicle fire scenarios since 2021. By the end of the year, all firefighters in Virginia will be required to complete training for handling electric vehicle fire incidents, a directive established by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Capt. Harvey from Chesterfield Fire and EMS emphasized the necessity of this specialized training to adapt firefighting practices to evolving technologies and challenges related to EV fires.
The recent incident in Virginia Beach serves as a crucial reminder of the unique risks associated with electric vehicles and the importance of preparedness for firefighting crews. With the growing number of electric vehicles on the roads, it is essential for fire departments to adapt and evolve their strategies to ensure public safety effectively.
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Additional Resources
- WTKR News
- Wikipedia: Electric Vehicle Fire Safety
- WAVY News
- Google Search: Electric Vehicle Fire Training
- 12 On Your Side
- Google Scholar: Electric Vehicle Fire Extinguishing
- Rocktown Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Vehicles Fire
- KTLA News
- Google News: Electric Vehicle Fires
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VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
