Firefighting Ops Bulletin #16

Question 1

If there are leaking fluids, Sparks, smoke, flames, or gurgling, sounds from a high voltage battery compartment. What should you do?

Answer 1

Ventilate passenger area, take key fob at least 16’ feet away!

Question 2

When should you cut , pry or pierce a lithium ion battery?

Answer 2

Never. For any reason.

Question 3

How much water can a lithium ion battery fire take to extinguish?

Answer 3

Up to 20,000 gallons and several hours

Question 4

How big is the bridge hill car fire blanket?

Answer 4

6x8 meter quartz fabric with a heat coating

Question 5

How soon after a electric car with a lithium ion battery fire is out can it be towed?

Answer 5

45 mins without fire, smoke, hissing/popping or heat.

Question 6

Battery electric vehicle (BEV)

Answer 6

Vehicle that utilizes high voltage lithium ion batteries as a sole power source. Battery capacity is usually 300-400 volts but 800 volt capacities are being introduced to the market

Question 7

What is thermal run away?

Answer 7

When the lithium ion cell enters an uncontrollable self heating state. It can result in extremely high temperatures, violets cell, venting, smoke and fire. Potential triggers are overcharging the battery, overheating it, exposing it to high temperatures, excessively high discharge rate in a short circuit or damage as a puncture.

Question 8

What is stranded energy?

Fire ops bulletin #16

Answer 8

Risk of electric shock and battery recognition/fire arise from energy that remains in a damaged battery