All,
Additional information based upon the recent previous studies: the IAFF recommends that Firefighters not use fire blankets on EV fires involving the battery.
Electric vehicle (EV) fires have presented unique suppression challenges to the fire service. Anecdotal information describes these fires as burning hotter and for longer periods than gasoline-powered cars, with an additional threat of reignition lasting for months. In response to these challenges, numerous products claim to improve suppression efforts involving EVs. Many of these claims have not been substantiated through independent scientific testing. Appropriate product standards have not yet been updated to address these products, and in some cases, new standards have yet to be proposed or developed.
Two major research initiatives, UL Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) and the NFPA Fire Protection Foundation (FPRF), are conducting experiments that simulate fire department responses to EV fires and evaluate the effectiveness of various suppression tactics and products. The IAFF is actively involved in both projects. While it will take time for the researchers to develop the final reports, they have learned critical information that needs to be shared immediately before the final publication of these reports.
The IAFF strongly urges all fire service members NOT to deploy a fire blanket for suppression efforts when responding to an EV fire. This recommendation is based on the experiences resulting from both projects and shared in this joint statement issued on May 30, 2025.
While deploying a blanket can control a fire by eliminating oxygen – a smothering effect – it does not stop the battery from experiencing thermal runaway and releasing flammable gases, including hydrogen. Although eliminating oxygen may stop flaming, the ongoing release of flammable gases can build up beneath a fire blanket and create an explosion hazard. Determining if the EV’s battery is involved is a multi-step process, but it must begin with life safety of the driver, occupants, Firefighters and responders as the top priority.
When encountering a fire involving an EV, firefighters should use water to initially knock down the body of fire and then assess for battery involvement. Indicators include persistent flaming from the wheel wells and from underneath the vehicle that resist hose stream extinguishment, jetting flames accompanied by hissing and popping sounds, and reignition.
NOTE:
WATCH for the upcoming IAFF Energy Hazard Guide that will provide loads of info and will be available to all Firefighters and Departments. We will share it here as well.
DOWNLOAD:
IAFF Safety Advisory
USE OF FIRE BLANKETS ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE FIRES
https://www.iaff.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-06-03-Safety-Advisory-4.pdf
DOWNLOAD
HERE IS THE PREVIOUS BULLETIN FROM LAST WEEK
https://fsri.org/news/potential-hazard-involving-ev-fire-blankets
Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.
BillyG
The Secret List 6/3/2025-1613 Hours
