When electric cars catch fire

The fire on the "Fremantle Highway" car transporter has reignited the discussion about the fire risk of electric cars. It has not even been clarified yet whether it was actually the short circuit of a battery that was responsible for the damage. At any rate, the German Insurance Association cannot identify any accumulation of e-car fires. The same is true of the German Fire Brigades Association.

However, when a battery-electric vehicle has to be extinguished, this presents the fire department with special challenges. The problem is that the drive battery is enclosed in an airtight and watertight housing. In addition, there is a risk that the fire will reignite after it has been extinguished. For this reason, new firefighting methods have now been developed. For example, a special extinguishing bag is used. In addition, extinguishing lances are being tested that can be used to "stab" directly into the battery. And the car logistics company BGL in Bremerhaven has also taken special precautions in the event of a fire and, among other things, has fire containment blankets of the kind used in blast furnaces. (aum/gr)