(4 hr) Drill Night Series – EV / Lithium Ion Emergencies

Course Description

This 4-hour drill night program is designed to provide firefighters and first responders with the knowledge and practical considerations needed to safely operate at incidents involving Electric Vehicles (EVs), Hybrid Vehicles, and Lithium-Ion battery emergencies. As battery-powered technology continues to expand into the transportation and residential environment, today’s responders must understand the hazards, fire behavior, stabilization concerns, and suppression challenges associated with these incidents.

Students will discuss EV identification, battery locations, thermal runaway, toxic exposure concerns, firefighting tactics, vehicle stabilization considerations, extrication challenges, and post-fire incident management. Emphasis is placed on real-world operations, firefighter safety, and practical decision making during rapidly evolving incidents involving lithium-ion battery systems.

This course is built as an interactive drill night environment focused on practical application, group discussion, and operational readiness for the modern fireground.

Course Objectives

Identify common Electric Vehicle (EV) and Hybrid Vehicle components and hazards.
Describe the dangers associated with lithium-ion battery thermal runaway.
Explain fire behavior characteristics related to lithium-ion battery fires.
Identify appropriate PPE, isolation distances, and scene safety considerations.
Discuss suppression, cooling, and exposure protection tactics for EV fires.
Describe stabilization and extrication concerns involving EVs and Hybrid Vehicles.
Identify high-voltage system shutdown procedures and responder safety zones.
Discuss overhaul, monitoring, and post-fire reignition concerns.
Demonstrate an understanding of operational decision making during EV and lithium-ion incidents.

Course Details

• Hours: 4
• Maximum Students: unlimited
• Prerequisites: none
• Practical Skills Sheets Available: n

Standards & JPRs

• Associated NFPA Standard(s) & Edition(s): 1001 / 1002 / 472 /855
• NFPA Chapter(s): 5,6,7
• Associated JPRs: Chapter 6 JPRs

Equipment & Training Props

• Student Equipment / PPE: n/a
• Host Agency Equipment / Props: AV
• Vendor-Supplied Training Props: training props