Case Study: Electric Car Fire in an Underground Garage, Czech Republic
Late on the evening of May 4th (2023), firefighters in the Czech Republic received an emergency call regarding a fire in an electric car, a Jaguar i-Pace, parked on the second underground floor of a parking garage. The incident involved the vehicle’s traction battery, presenting unique challenges due to the specific risks and complexities of electric vehicle fires, especially parked in an underground garage.
A challenging operation
Upon arrival, the responders discovered fine white smoke coming from the car, which was still connected to a charging station. Shortly thereafter, an explosion occurred in the chassis area of the vehicle, causing a sudden increase in smoke and open flames. The charging circuits were manually disconnected to prevent further electrical hazards. The situation was complicated by the heavy smoke, which made visibility near-zero and required thermal cameras to navigate the underground environment safely.
Reinforcements and an effective Cobra response
Recognizing the severity of the situation, reinforcements were called in to support the operation. Smoke extractors were installed to manage the extensive smoke buildup, though with limited effect initially. Once additional teams arrived, several fire hoses along with Cobra, were deployed. Cobra proved instrumental in addressing the electric vehicle fire, as it allowed firefighters to penetrate the vehicle’s structure and cool the traction battery efficiently. This was recognized as critical to controlling the fire and minimizing the risk of re-ignition.
Meanwhile, a Hazmat team conducted measurements and sampling to ensure no hazardous substances were released. To improve smoke ventilation, the initial extractors were replaced with overpressure ventilation systems, which significantly improved smoke removal. At the same time, preparations were made to safely transport the damaged vehicle using a specially designed container.
Securing the scene
Once the flames were extinguished, the vehicle was lifted to provide access to the battery for continued cooling and inspection. The car was carefully transported using emergency lifts, with strict safety protocols in place to protect the crew. Finally, the electric car was loaded and secured into a container for further handling. The affected area was thoroughly cleaned, including the removal of leaked electrolytes and extinguishing water, to eliminate any environmental or safety risks.
Key takeaways from the operation
Thanks to the coordinated efforts, careful planning, and the use of tools like Cobra and fans, the fire brigade successfully managed this challenging incident. The response showcased the importance of techniques and adaptive strategies to tackle the unique challenges posed by electric vehicle fires.
Lessons from the operation:
- Coordination and planning were crucial.
- Cobra and fans helped manage the incident.
- Adaptive strategies are key for EV fires.
