EV Fire Safety
Preface
As the adoption of electric vehicles continues to soar across the DFW region and the rest of the nation, emergency responders need training resources to prepare for the unfortunate circumstances when a battery fire occurs within an electric vehicle. Although EVs are statistically less likely to ignite compared to conventional vehicles with an internal combustion engine, high voltage cables, hazardous materials, and high heat make EV fires particularly challenging to extinguish. This page outlines our work, local training courses available, and various resources/research related to addressing and combating EV fires.
Our Work
Initiatives at DFWCC aim to advance and broadcast electric vehicle safety training for first responders, specifically educational resources, including training classes, research, and technical assistance programs. DFWCC is working to compile these resources and bring attention to locally available training sessions in this region. Additionally, over the next 3 years, NCTCOG will provide free first responder training for zero-emission vehicles through funding from the North Texas Zero Emissions Vehicles Project, under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program.
Training Resources
This list is provided for informational or educational purposes only. DFWCC makes no warranties or claims as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or usefulness of this information. Disclaimer from the AFDC EV Safety training resources page (just in case legal wants a disclaimer)
DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC)- Electric Vehicle Safety Training
- Compiles training and resources for first and second responders from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), and AFV Educate.
U.S. Fire Administration- Electric Vehicle Fire Safety
- Provides consumer recommendations and handouts regarding electric vehicle charging safety.
National Fire Protection Association- Electric Vehicle Safety
UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute- Battery Fire Safety
- Includes fire safety scientific knowledge and practical education for first responders and the communities they serve.
Energy Security Agency- Fire Departments
- Includes recommendations and training for safe battery handling to serve manufacturers, public/private organizations, first responder communities, and end-users.
Research & Educational Articles/Guides
UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety of Batteries and Electric Vehicles
- Article detailing research being conducted regarding battery and electric vehicle fires
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Electric Vehicle/Energy Storage Systems Report
- Comprehensive report from the TEEX EV and ESS Summit documenting the current practices to assist those responsible for EV and ESS prevention, response, and policy creation.
NFPA’s Fire Safety for Electric Vehicles and Other Modern Vehicles in Parking Structures
- Article detailing how and why modern and alternative fuel vehicles burn differently and pose new fire risks in parking structures.
Georgia Network for Electric Mobility (University of Georgia) EV Fire Safety Guide
- Comprehensive educational guide detailing the causes of EV fires, safety features within charging systems and parking facilities, safety solutions for fire departments, utilities, and charger OEMs.
Plug-In America’s Facts about EV Fire Safety
- Article detailing EV fire statistics and probability, the science behind EV fires, and innovation that’s advancing fire safety and response.
ESFI’s Understanding Electric Vehicles
- Article providing safety tips and guidance for consumers regarding EV charging.
EV Fire Guide for Fleet Managers
- Guide providing the risk and causes of EV fires, as well as the precautionary measures that fleet managers can take to mitigate the risk of EV fires.
Electric Vehicle Fire Primer for Fleet Managers
- Fact sheet detailing EV fire basics and precautionary measures that fleet managers can take to prepare for an emergency incident.
AFVi’s Safety Practices for Defueling or De-Energizing Alternative Fuel Vehicles eBook
- Comprehensive guide that outlines safety practices, equipment, and regulations for fuel type/technology, including compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, hydrogen, or electric batteries.
Electric Fire Truck & Fire Apparatus
- Links articles, news, and resources on electric fire trucks, covering innovations, performance, sustainability, and the benefits they bring to fire departments
Emergency Response Guides | NHTSA
- Provides standardized emergency response information for electric-powered vehicles including battery-electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEV), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).
Tesla Semi Emergency Response Rescue Sheet
CAPCOG’s ReSET Training > Li-ion Battery Emergencies Info
Tools and Apparatus
Tiger Teams Technical Assistance
- Provides problem-solving support to overcome obstacles to deploying alternative fuels and advanced vehicles and makes informed choices to reduce their fuel consumption.
Fire Safety Research Institute Battery Fire Toolbox
- Provides a platform of comprehensive battery fire safety resources, including educational flyers, guides, training videos, and more.
Consumer EV Fire Safety Tips (link)
Before buying an EV:
- Hire a qualified electrician to install a dedicated circuit for charging.
- Older home wiring may not be suitable for EV supply equipment.
- Install a Level 2 charger if preferred.
When charging your EV:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Only use certified charging devices.
- Plug Level 1 chargers directly into proper outlets (no extension cords/adapters).
- Install a residual current device, ensuring an electrical shut-off if a fault is detected.
- Keep charging equipment out of children’s reach.
- Regularly maintain and inspect for damage or wear.
- Protect the outlet from water and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for wet conditions.
General EV Charging Fire Safety Practices (link)
- Training first responders on EV fire safety procedures
- Installing proper fire detection and suppression systems (e.g., automatic sprinklers if in a parking garage)
- Ensuring good ventilation in charging areas
- Keeping charging areas clear of flammable materials
- Proper installation and adequate spacing of EVCS; usage of certified/UL-listed equipment
- Installing a remote power shut-off box (emergency disconnect switch)
- Including Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection in the charging system
Related Codes
The NCTCOG Regional Building Code Amendments include amendments to the 2024 International Fire Code with additions for EV charging stations, summarized below.
- Section 105.6.27: A construction permit is required to install or modify EV charging stations.
- Section 323.1: EV charging stations cannot be installed inside buildings/structures unless approved for parking garages under the NEC. In parking garages, EV charging stations must be at grade level along the exterior perimeter walls and within 150ft of fire apparatus access roadway or on the top level of the garage with no roof or structure above. In private garages, approved charging stations must include a listed heat alarm connected to the dwelling’s smoke alarms.
- Section 323.2: Locations containing EV charging stations must have a clearly identified, readily accessible emergency disconnect in an approved location.
National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) Article 625 outlines the manufacturing and technical requirements of EV charging equipment, installation, and maintenance, including the following requirements:
- 625.54: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection is required in every charging system to protect against electrical hazards
- 625.6: Charging system must be UL-listed, meaning passing the rigorous safety testing requirements from the Underwriter's Laboratory
NFPA 88A outlines requirements that all parking structures must install automatic sprinkler systems.
NFPA 13 outlines the requirements of sprinkler density for parking garages based on hazard group classification.