Duluth Firefighters Just Trained For A Scary New Threat

Fire departments throughout Minnesota are facing a new and dangerous challenge: electric vehicle fires. Responding to these situations can be unpredictable, which is why many departments are undergoing new rounds of training to keep both the public and firefighters safe.

Minnesota Fire Departments Face New Threats

The popularity of electric vehicles has exploded across the country in recent years. With more EVs on Minnesota roads, first responders are encountering situations they haven’t traditionally trained for. Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs bring a unique set of hazards that require a different approach.

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Duluth Fire Department Trains on EV Fire Safety

The Duluth Fire Department is the latest in the state to undergo specialized training on how to deal with the risks of EV fires. This includes fire mitigation techniques, hazard awareness, and strategies to safely manage incidents involving batteries.

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EV fires burn at extreme temperatures nearing 2,000°F, release toxic fumes, and can be very difficult to put out with traditional tools like water and foam. Even after being extinguished, they are notorious for reigniting hours or even days later.

Tools Designed for Extreme Conditions

During the training, Duluth firefighters learned to use tools like specialized fire blankets. These massive blankets can cover an entire car or even a bus, containing flames, smoke, and fumes. Made to withstand intense heat, they give firefighters a safer way to manage EV incidents.

The training was provided by Vehicle Response Training, a company that specializes in EV incident response. They’ve worked with multiple departments across Minnesota, offering both classroom instruction and hands-on practice.

The Duluth Fire Department explained, “The number of EVs on the road continues to rise significantly, which means it’s important for our crews to know what to do when they respond to an EV fire.”