Tesla Model S fire reignites 6 hours after car fire deemed out

[eroscott]

Classic thread. For the past several years every time there is a *EV related fire (Volt 2011, etc) these threads start up across every type of forum.

The repeat the same thing every time with nothing new being discussed. Exact same with this thread Hybrids, Plug-in hybrids (PHEV), all electric plug-ins (BEV) are all dangerous because they have many lith batteries.

2011: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2011,cd_max:12/31/2011
2012: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2012,cd_max:12/31/2012
2013: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2013,cd_max:12/31/2013
2014: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2014,cd_max:12/31/2014
2015: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2015,cd_max:12/31/2015
2016: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2016,cd_max:12/31/2016
2017: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2017,cd_max:12/31/2017
2018: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2018,cd_max:12/31/2018

It's clear with the Teslas that have caught on fire drivers have had far more time to get to safety...with a gasoline/diesel-fueled vehicle fire you're fortunate if you've got the time to get to the side of the road & out of the vehicle before being burned.

Good point worth repeating.

NFPA.ORG -- Alt Fuel Veh First responder:
https://www.nfpa.org/training-and-events/by-topic/alternative-fuel-vehicle-safety-training

Breakdown by cars (example Tesla):
https://www.nfpa.org/Training-and-E...fety-Training/Emergency-Response-Guides/Tesla

 

[ncbill]

And were did you get this info? Of the few fires that I have seen the occupants were able to get out easily... and the one that burned next to my friends car the guy was already in the restaurant before people saw the flames...

Reading the articles posted and watching the news.

It's clear you'll have no problem safely getting to the side of the road if road debris punctures the battery pack on a Tesla.

With a diesel/gasoline fire...well, the last I saw on the news was a schoolbus where the driver noticed smoke under the hood, pulled over immediately, but still had to hustle the kids out the back exit as the front of the bus burst into flame.

 

[ERD50]

Classic thread. For the past several years every time there is a *EV related fire (Volt 2011, etc) these threads start up across every type of forum.

The repeat the same thing every time with nothing new being discussed. Exact same with this thread Hybrids, Plug-in hybrids (PHEV), all electric plug-ins (BEV) are all dangerous because they have many lith batteries.

2011: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr%3A1%2Ccd_min%3A1%2F1%2F2011%2Ccd_max%3A12%2F31%2F2011
2012: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2012,cd_max:12/31/2012
2013: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2013,cd_max:12/31/2013
2014: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2014,cd_max:12/31/2014
2015: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2015,cd_max:12/31/2015
2016: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2016,cd_max:12/31/2016
2017: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2017,cd_max:12/31/2017
2018: https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+vehicle+fires&tbs=cdr:1,cd_min:1/1/2018,cd_max:12/31/2018



Good point worth repeating.

NFPA.ORG -- Alt Fuel Veh First responder:
https://www.nfpa.org/training-and-events/by-topic/alternative-fuel-vehicle-safety-training

Breakdown by cars (example Tesla):
https://www.nfpa.org/Training-and-E...fety-Training/Emergency-Response-Guides/Tesla

Well, it is new technology, and brings new problems (along with the benefits). It is perfectly normal for something new to be discussed in more detail than something we are all familiar with. IMO, you are being overly sensitive and unrealistic to expect otherwise, or to think there is anything wrong with the attention.

From your links in Emergency Response:

FIREFIGHTING

USE WATER TO FIGHT A HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY FIRE. If the battery catches fire, is exposed to high heat, or is generating heat or gases, use large amounts of water to cool the battery. It can take approximately 3,000 gallons of water, applied directly to the battery, to fully extinguish and cool down a battery fire; always establish or request an additional water supply. If water is not immediately available, use dry chemicals, CO2, foam, or another typical fire-extinguishing agent to fight the fire until water is available.

Extinguish small fires that do not involve the high voltage battery using typical vehicle firefighting procedures.

During overhaul, do not make contact with any high voltage components. Always use insulated tools for overhaul.

Heat and flames can compromise airbag inflators, stored gas inflation cylinders, gas struts, and other components which can result in an unexpected explosion. Perform an adequate knock down before entering a hot zone.

Battery fires can take up to 24 hours to extinguish. Consider allowing the battery to burn while protecting exposures.

After all fire and smoke has visibly subsided, a thermal imaging camera can be used to actively measure the temperature of the high voltage battery and monitor the trend of heating or cooling. There must not be fire, smoke, or heating present in the high voltage battery for at least one hour before the vehicle can be released to second responders (such as law enforcement, vehicle transporters, etc.). The battery must be completely cooled before releasing the vehicle to second responders or otherwise leaving the incident. Always advise second responders that there is a risk of battery re-ignition.

Due to potential re-ignition, a Model 3 that has been involved in a submersion, fire, or a collision that has compromised the high voltage battery should be stored in an open area at least 50 ft (15 m) from any exposure.

Warning: When fire is involved, consider the entire vehicle energized. Always wear full PPE, including a SCBA.

HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY - FIRE DAMAGE

A burning or heated battery releases toxic vapors. These vapors may include volatile organic compounds, hydrogen gas, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, soot, particulates containing oxides of nickel, aluminum, lithium, copper, cobalt, and hydrogen fluoride. Responders should always protect themselves with full PPE, including a SCBA, and take appropriate measures to protect civilians downwind from the incident. Use fog streams or positive-pressure ventilation fans (PPV) to direct smoke and vapors.

The high voltage battery consists of lithium-ion cells. These cells are considered dry cells. If damaged, only a small amount of fluid can leak. Lithium-ion battery fluid is clear in color.

The high voltage battery and drive unit are liquid cooled with a typical glycol-based automotive coolant. If damaged, this blue coolant can leak out of the high voltage battery.

A damaged high voltage battery can create rapid heating of the battery cells. If you notice smoke coming from the high voltage battery, assume that it is heating and take appropriate action as described in Firefighting on page 23

From wiki:

Hydrogen fluoride is a highly dangerous gas, forming corrosive and penetrating hydrofluoric acid upon contact with moisture. The gas can also cause blindness by rapid destruction of the corneas.

That's not to say gasoline fires aren't terrible things as well, but it is a very different type of situation,one that emergency response is familiar with, and it seems normal to me for it to attract attention.

In the same way, solar panels provide a challenge to emergency response. Ignoring the problems won't solve them, they need to be discussed and addressed.

-ERD50