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Emergency Response to Electric Vehicle (EV) Incidents

Posted: July 29, 2025

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U.S. Fire Administration and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Release “Electric Vehicle Fire/Rescue Response Operations Guide” PDF

Electric vehicle (EV) technology has become commonplace, but there is limited credible response guidance for emergency responders. The dynamic nature of battery technology and EV manufacturing presents substantial challenges in effectively managing EV fires. There are substantial gaps in the science available to inform safe and effective approaches for identifying, confining and extinguishing EV fires.

Fire and emergency medical services (EMS) responders must continue to learn and adapt strategies and tactics for safely handling EV-related incidents as new, evidence-based information becomes available from credible sources.

The aim of this guide is to provide basic information and resources to help ensure safe response operations at emergency incidents involving EVs. You will find sections that explain:

Current challenges

  • Limited science-based guidance for fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, towing operators and automotive recovery industry.
  • Significant differences in battery types, chemistry, location and size across different EV brands, models and years.
  • Existing tactics, tools and procedures for addressing EV fires are not always based on scientific evidence.

Ongoing research

  • Multiple experiments and research studies are underway, sponsored by government agencies, battery manufacturers, automobile companies, academic institutions and not-for-profit researchers.
  • Aim to close existing knowledge gaps and develop evidence-based strategies for safely handling EV-related incidents.

Importance of continuous learning

  • First and second responders must stay informed about evolving strategies and tactics for managing EV incidents.
  • New, evidence-based information from credible sources is essential for safe response operations.

Response operations

  • No universally accepted, scientifically validated method for extinguishing all types of EV fires.
  • Responders must continually analyze, plan, implement and evaluate the specific situation from dispatch to recovery.
  • Variety of battery chemistries and configurations make responding to EV incidents challenging.

Tools and equipment

  • Wide range of tools, equipment and products marketed for use with EVs.
  • Limited data is available for first responders to evaluate the effectiveness of these tools.

Sections covered in the guide

  • Background: overview of the current state of EV technology and the challenges faced by responders.
  • Risk assessment: identifying potential risks associated with EV incidents.
  • Size up: evaluating the situation upon arrival at the scene.
  • Tactical considerations: strategies and tactics for managing EV fires.
  • Recovery considerations: steps for safely recovering and handling EVs post-incident.
  • Case studies: real-world examples of EV incidents and response efforts.
  • Knowledge gaps: areas where further research and information are needed to improve response strategies.

Effective response to EV incidents requires continuous learning and adaptation as new information and technologies emerge. This guide aims to provide basic information and resources to ensure safe response operations and identify key knowledge gaps for future research.