Insight

EV Fire Suppression and Firefighter Safety

Electric vehicle fires introduce new operational and environmental challenges for fire and rescue services worldwide. A newly released technical assessment examines how different suppression strategies influence firefighter exposure, toxic gas dispersion, and environmental contamination during EV fire incidents.
Bridgehill EV fire blanket
Written by Anne Kathrine Bardal

This Global Fire Safety Notice summarizes key findings from the independent report:
“A Technical HSE Assessment of Water Risks and Enclosed Containment Solutions for EV Fire Suppression” authored by Bridgehill founder and CEO, Frank Brubakken.

The study evaluates how suppression methods affect the release and spread of hazardous substances such as hydrogen fluoride (HF), metal aerosols, and contaminated runoff during lithium-ion battery fires.

Key Findings

Early Isolation Significantly Reduces Risk

Lithium-ion battery fires can release toxic gases and fine particles within seconds. Without physical containment, these contaminants can disperse through smoke, steam, wind, and firefighting water.

Early isolation of the vehicle using a fire blanket creates a physical barrier that helps contain:

  • Hydrogen fluoride (HF)

  • Metal aerosols

  • Soot and combustion particles

  • Contaminated firefighting water

Containing these pollutants at the source reduces the exposure risk for firefighters and limits the environmental footprint of the incident.

Water Use Can Increase Contamination Pathways

Water-based suppression is an essential firefighting tool, but when applied directly to EV battery fires it can create additional contamination pathways.

Research shows that water contacting damaged lithium-ion batteries can:

  • Increase the spread of airborne hydrogen fluoride through steam and mist

  • Transport toxic compounds through contaminated runoff

  • Dissolve and carry metals such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum, and lithium

  • Spread pollutants into soil, stormwater systems, and surrounding infrastructure

This can significantly expand the contamination zone and complicate cleanup operations.

Steam Can Transport Toxic Gases Further

Hydrogen fluoride readily binds to moisture and microscopic droplets in smoke and steam.

When water is applied to a burning EV battery, steam formation can carry HF further from the fire scene. Studies from RISE in Sweden indicate that water application may temporarily increase measured HF concentrations in the air, not because more HF is produced, but because existing HF becomes more mobile when attached to airborne moisture.

Containment Reduces Airborne and Waterborne Spread

Encapsulating the vehicle with a fire blanket can reduce both major contamination pathways.

By limiting airflow and reducing fire intensity, the blanket helps:

  • Reduce steam formation

  • Prevent HF from attaching to airborne moisture

  • Trap soot and metal particles at the source

  • Reduce the amount of water required for suppression

With less airborne transport and significantly reduced runoff, contamination remains localized and easier to manage.

Operational Safety and Correct Use

Like any firefighting tool, fire blankets must be used according to established procedures.

Maintaining a continuous seal is critical. Repeatedly lifting the blanket or introducing water beneath it can allow oxygen to re-enter the compartment and may contribute to hydrogen buildup under certain conditions.

Recommended operational principles include:

  • Keep the blanket in place until the vehicle has fully cooled

  • Avoid introducing water beneath the blanket

  • Do not lift or disturb the blanket prematurely

When used according to procedure, fire blankets create a controlled environment that reduces exposure risks and stabilizes the fire scene.

Proven Operational Experience

Fire blankets for EV fires have been used operationally for more than 11 years in over 50 countries, across hundreds of incidents.

When deployed correctly, there are no known cases of deflagration associated with blanket use.

By contrast, several documented incidents worldwide have involved firefighter injuries during water-based EV fire suppression, often related to toxic gases, steam plumes, or sudden gas releases.

This operational record highlights the role of containment solutions in improving firefighter safety while reducing environmental impact.

Full Technical Report

The complete technical assessment provides a detailed scientific analysis of lithium-ion battery chemistry, gas formation, contamination pathways, and suppression strategies.

The report explains why enclosed containment solutions such as fire blankets can play an important role in managing EV fires safely and effectively.

Download the summary and full report below:

[Download Global Fire Safety Notice]

[Download Full Technical Assessment]