New Dangers Arise Complicating Firefighting Efforts in L.A.

Los Angeles wildfires expose dangerous flaws in electric vehicle technology, complicating firefighting efforts and cleanup operations.

Key Takeaways

Electric vehicle batteries pose significant challenges during wildfires, creating hazardous pollution and difficult-to-extinguish fires.
EV fires can burn longer than gas-powered car fires and require extensive amounts of water to extinguish.
Lithium-ion batteries release flammable gases and oxygen, making traditional firefighting methods ineffective.
The presence of burnt EVs and their batteries is delaying fire victims’ return to their properties due to complex cleanup requirements.
California’s push for EVs is clashing with wildfire safety concerns, prompting some owners to consider switching back to conventional vehicles.

Electric Vehicles: A New Wildfire Hazard

The recent Los Angeles wildfires have brought to light a growing concern in disaster management: the unique challenges posed by electric vehicles (EVs) in fire-prone areas. As California leads the nation in EV adoption, with over 2 million electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles sold, the state now faces unforeseen complications in its firefighting and cleanup efforts.

Firefighters battling the Los Angeles blazes encountered a new enemy in the form of burning EVs. Unlike conventional vehicles, electric cars equipped with lithium-ion batteries present a host of problems that traditional firefighting techniques struggle to address.

The Unique Challenges of EV Fires

Robert Rezende, a firefighting expert, explains the complexities of EV fires: “As the batteries start to burn, they actually release flammable gases like hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and then they also release their own oxygen, and so smothering the fire doesn’t really work in these situations. Putting a bunch of water on them doesn’t really work in these situations.”

This self-sustaining nature of EV fires means they can burn longer and more intensely than fires in traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Firefighters report that EV fires can take significantly longer to extinguish, sometimes requiring hours or even days of constant attention.

Burning Teslas in LA add toxic barriers to wildfire cleanup https://t.co/pUFKbWz6Zi

— Autoblog (@therealautoblog) January 18, 2025

Environmental and Health Concerns

The environmental impact of burning EVs extends beyond the immediate fire danger. As lithium-ion batteries combust, they release toxic gases and materials into the atmosphere, creating hazardous conditions for both firefighters and nearby residents. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now tasked with cleaning up these dangerous materials, a process that promises to be both time-consuming and complex.

“While the state has extensive experience with clearing cars with combustion engines, cleanup teams are still adapting to newer technologies like Tesla and other lithium-ion batteries, which can pose distinct risks when exposed to high heat from fires” – California Governor Gavin Newsom

Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged the unprecedented challenges, stating that while California has extensive experience clearing traditional vehicles, the presence of EV batteries and charging infrastructure complicates the debris removal process significantly.

The Aftermath: Delayed Recovery and Rethinking EVs

The presence of burnt-out electric vehicles and home battery storage systems is not only complicating cleanup efforts but also delaying the return of fire victims to their properties. The EPA, drawing on experience from the 2023 Maui Fire, where over 30 tons of lithium batteries were removed from 94 electric and hybrid vehicles, is now faced with a similar monumental task in Los Angeles.

These challenges are prompting some EV owners to reconsider their choice of vehicle. A McKinsey & Co. survey revealed that 46% of U.S. EV owners are considering switching back to internal combustion engine vehicles, citing inadequate charging infrastructure and concerns about long-distance travel as primary reasons.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Progress and Safety

As California continues to lead the charge in EV adoption, the recent wildfires have highlighted the urgent need for new strategies to address the unique risks posed by electric vehicles in disaster-prone areas. The state now faces the complex task of balancing its environmental goals with the practical realities of emergency response and public safety.

The challenges presented by electric vehicles in wildfire scenarios underscore the importance of developing specialized firefighting techniques, improving battery technology, and enhancing evacuation infrastructure to ensure the safety of communities in fire-prone regions. As the transition to electric vehicles continues, addressing these critical safety concerns will be paramount to maintaining public confidence and support for this evolving technology.