Summary: Electric vehicle fires require a different mindset and toolset than traditional car fires. Because most EV batteries are mounted low and burn hot during thermal runaway, crews need ways to cool the battery directly — without putting themselves in harm’s way. That’s where tools like the Transformer EV Nozzle System come in, delivering water precisely under the vehicle with minimal clearance and maximum reach. For today’s fireground, knowing how to size up, access, and cool an EV battery isn’t optional — it’s the new baseline.
What Every Firefighter Needs to Know About EV Fires
EV fires don’t happen often, but when they do, they hit hard — hotter burns, stubborn reignition, and nasty off-gassing from lithium-ion batteries. With more EVs on the road every year, it’s not a question of if your crew sees one — it’s when.
Why EV Fires Are a Whole Different Animal
Here’s what makes them tough:
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Battery location: Usually tucked underneath the vehicle, making access tricky.
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Thermal runaway: A self-heating, violent battery reaction that’s hard to stop once it starts.
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Toxic smoke: Off-gassing from the battery is hazardous and can include flammable vapor and particulates.
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Reignition risk: Even after it looks out, it can come back hours later.
Cool It From Below — Without Getting Too Close
In our featured reel, the Transformer EV Nozzle System gets water exactly where it needs to go: under the vehicle and onto the battery compartment. It uses a distributor (cellar) nozzle that throws a wide pattern — ideal for mapping water across the undercarriage — and includes four 19" extensions for over 7 feet of reach.
That kind of standoff distance matters. It helps keep your crew clear of heat, flame, and toxic gas while still delivering meaningful cooling.
Other Tactics to Keep in Mind
Beyond the right tools, every firefighter should lock in these practices:
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Full PPE and SCBA — always. EV smoke isn’t just nasty; it’s dangerous.
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Disable the vehicle if possible: Set the brake, chock the wheels, and move the key away.
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Use copious water: Don’t hold back. It takes serious volume to cool these batteries.
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Never pierce the battery: You’ll risk making things worse.
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Monitor for hot spots: Use TICs to track battery temps and watch for signs of reignition.
One Tip for the Probie
Tell your rookies: size-up matters more than ever. Just because an EV looks quiet doesn’t mean it’s safe. No engine noise doesn’t mean it’s off. No visible fire doesn’t mean the battery isn’t cooking. Treat every EV like it’s loaded — because it is.
Stay low, stay back, and cool smart.
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