Written in collaboration with Captain Howard “Buddy” Hayes, Turtle Fire Systems
Water, foam, or let it burn? As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly common, that’s the question fire departments across the country are grappling with.
There’s still no universal approach for extinguishing EV fires, and each incident can present unique challenges. That’s why Jersey City Fire Captain Howard “Buddy” Hayes developed the Turtle Fire System, an innovative solution designed to deliver water directly to EV battery packs. We connected with Hayes to talk all things EV, including some suppression tactics and strategies, and tips to keep your crew safe on the frontlines.
About EV Fires
EV fires are far from typical vehicle fires. They involve intense chemical reactions, extreme heat, and unpredictable fire behavior, making them especially challenging to control. Tackling these incidents requires specialized equipment, training, and a fundamentally different approach than traditional firefighting.
When lithium-ion batteries are damaged or defective, they can enter a dangerous state called thermal runaway; a chain reaction where battery cells overheat uncontrollably, potentially igniting nearby cells and triggering a fire. These batteries can also emit toxic, flammable gases that, under certain conditions, may lead to explosions.
Traditional car fires use around 500 gallons of water to extinguish. EVs, on the other hand, burn two to three times hotter, and require “copious” amounts of water.
“This is not your grandad’s car fire,” laughed Hayes. “But properly placed water is going to be the most effective extinguishment strategy.”
Suppression Tactics
As electric vehicles become more common on the roads, fire departments are adapting their tactics to meet the unique challenges these fires present. Hayes shared his approach to safely and effectively managing EV fires, emphasizing practical steps, protective strategies, and the importance of specialized tools like the Turtle Fire System device.
When arriving at the scene of an EV fire, Hayes highlighted the importance of sticking to what firefighters are trained to do.
“First, under the protection of a handline, do a quick search of the vehicle, ensuring there are no passengers inside. Then, pull a hose line off the truck to begin extinguishing the Class A materials of the car fire,” he said. “Once it’s confirmed that the vehicle is an EV, retrieve the Turtle Fire System device. Deploying the Turtle device should always be done under the protection of an active hose line; ideally, with two hose lines in operation.”
Hayes also recommended using a fog pattern to push toxic smoke and vapor away, shielding the person deploying the Turtle device.
“If the fire is venting from the underside of the vehicle, particularly from the battery pack, place the Turtle nozzle directly into the fire to deliver water precisely where it’s needed. In my experience, a straight stream of water is most effective,” Hayes said.
If there’s no direct access to the battery from underneath, firefighters should rely on the principle of indirect cooling. This is especially effective in parking structures, where the Turtle device not only cools the battery pack but also the concrete floor beneath it.
“When there’s water on the fire, things get better,” said Hayes. “But while people often focus on protecting what’s above the fire, it’s equally important to manage the intense heat radiating downward. Applying water with the Turtle nozzle helps bring the fire under control while preserving the structural integrity of the building.”
Safety Tips
When responding to an EV fire, several critical safety considerations can help protect you and your crew. Because these fires release highly toxic vapors, such as hydrogen fluoride, Hayes emphasized the importance of wearing full turnout gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
“Be mindful of wind direction,” he warned. “Always approach with the wind at your back to avoid exposure to smoke and vapors.”
Additional precautions include closely monitoring for battery reignition.
Final Thoughts
As EVs become a larger part of the automotive landscape, fire departments must continue evolving their response tactics. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to these complex incidents, tools like the Turtle device and insights from experienced leaders like Captain Hayes offer a clear path forward.
Hayes challenged the industry to take a hard look at the knowledge gap around EV fires.
“We need to do more real-world testing,” he said. "We need to approach these vehicles in training like we would in the real world.”
To learn more about electric vehicle safety:
To learn more about the Turtle Fire System: