Don’t Fight EV Fires Yourself, Fire Service Tells Motorists

Don’t Fight EV Fires Yourself, Fire Service Tells Motorists

 

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has warned that Nigeria’s growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles is creating new emergency-response challenges that require specialised firefighting skills, equipment and safety protocols.

The Lagos Command of the FFS said conventional firefighting techniques may not be sufficient when dealing with alternative-energy vehicles, particularly electric vehicles whose lithium-ion batteries can remain hazardous long after flames have been extinguished.

Chief Superintendent of Fire, Badmus Abdulsamad, gave the warning while presenting the command’s preparedness strategy for EV and CNG emergencies at the 3rd Nigeria Auto Industry Summit (NAISU) in Lagos.

Abdulsamad explained that although battery-electric vehicles were statistically less likely to catch fire than conventional petrol-powered vehicles, EV fires presented unique dangers because of the lithium-ion battery systems.

He said one of the most serious risks was thermal runaway, a self-sustaining chemical reaction that generates intense heat and can spread rapidly from one battery cell to neighbouring cells.

According to him, a damaged battery could continue to burn, release toxic and potentially explosive vapours, produce projectile hazards and reignite hours or even days after an incident appeared to have been brought under control.

He noted that EV fires could occur while vehicles were in motion, parked or undergoing charging, with possible triggers including road crashes, penetration of battery packs by debris, previous mechanical damage, extreme weather conditions and charging-system faults.

The fire officer stressed that tackling an EV fire was fundamentally different from fighting a conventional vehicle fire.

“Firefighters must focus heavily on cooling the battery pack to prevent thermal runaway from spreading,” he said, adding that large volumes of water could be required for prolonged periods.

He warned that the risk did not end after the vehicle was towed away, as damaged EVs could reignite at towing yards, storage facilities or even fire stations.

Another major concern, he said, was the high-voltage electrical system, which could remain dangerous even after a crash. Burning lithium-ion batteries could also emit toxic and corrosive substances, including hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.

The FFS therefore advised EV owners to use certified charging equipment, maintain their battery systems properly, avoid battery damage and minimise exposure of vehicles to extreme heat.

The Service also urged motorists to maintain safe distances when parking EVs close to buildings and warned members of the public against attempting to extinguish battery fires themselves.

“Members of the public should evacuate immediately and alert emergency responders,” Abdulsamad advised.

CNG vehicles pose separate risks

The FFS also drew attention to the distinct hazards associated with CNG-powered vehicles, particularly the high-pressure cylinders used to store compressed gas.

Abdulsamad explained that pressure-relief devices installed on CNG cylinders are designed to release gas when pressure rises to dangerous levels. However, he warned that improper intervention during a fire could worsen the situation and potentially result in cylinder rupture and powerful blast effects.

He noted that CNG fires could produce pale blue flames that are difficult to see despite generating extremely high temperatures.

Emergency responders, he said, must not approach leaking or damaged CNG cylinders without appropriate protective equipment, specialised training and a proper risk assessment.

They must also eliminate possible ignition sources and remain alert to the possibility of cylinder failure, he added.

CNG motorists were advised to install only authorised conversion kits and cylinders through certified dealers or service centres. They were also urged to subject cylinders, regulators, pipelines and electrical systems to regular inspection to detect leaks, deterioration and other faults capable of triggering fires.

Motorists were further advised to avoid prolonged parking under direct sunlight and to keep smoking and naked flames away from CNG-powered vehicles.

In the event of a CNG vehicle fire, occupants should evacuate immediately, move to a safe distance and inform emergency responders that the vehicle is CNG-powered.

They were also warned against approaching the gas cylinders or attempting to fight the fire themselves.

FFS boosts emergency-response capacity

Abdulsamad said the FFS was strengthening its ability to respond to emerging fire risks through the deployment of rapid intervention vehicles, fire bikes, fire trucks and hydraulic platforms.

He disclosed that firefighters were undergoing local and international training in basic and advanced firefighting, rescue operations and breathing-apparatus procedures.

The Lagos Command is also collaborating with state and private fire services, the Nigerian Ports Authority fire department and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, among other strategic partners, to strengthen emergency response.

Public education, he said, remained a critical part of the Service’s prevention strategy, with initiatives including social-media campaigns, seminars, workshops, fire drills, annual risk assessments, media engagements and Fire Safety Week activities.

The FFS stressed that Nigeria’s transition to cleaner mobility must go hand in hand with specialised emergency-response training, appropriate safety standards and sustained public awareness.

As EV and CNG adoption expands, the Service said firefighters, motorists and the general public must understand the distinct hazards posed by the technologies, noting that conventional firefighting approaches may not always be adequate for emergencies involving alternative-energy vehicles.