AAA Awards Grant to Hoffman Estates Fire Department

The Hoffman Estates Fire Department (HEFD) began training this week on some new equipment to handle EV related incidents, thanks to a grant recently awarded to them by AAA – The Auto Club Group’s ACG Foundation.

“As electric vehicles become increasingly prevalent, the Hoffman Estates Fire Department faces new challenges in effectively managing EV-related fire incidents,” said Chief Alan Wax. “Traditional firefighting equipment and methods are not adequate for the unique hazards posed by EVs, particularly their high-voltage systems and battery packs.”

 The grant, in the amount of $14,736, will allow the HEFD to address these challenges and ensure the safety of firefighters, motorists and the community by providing for the purchase of the following equipment:

• 2 EV emergency plugs, used to safely disable high-voltage systems and prevent electrical hazards during firefighting operations.
• 1 Turtle Fire System EV nozzle, which continually cools EV batteries to prevent them from going into thermal run-away along with suppressing EV fires and protecting exposures.
• 5 Fire Cloak EV blankets that can smother EV fires, contain flames, and prevent the spread of hazardous fumes.
• 8 steel wheel chocks to secure EVs during emergencies, preventing silent movement while ensuring stability and safety for firefighting personnel.

“Improving safety on the roads and in our communities is part of our DNA and that starts with first responders,” said Matt Nasworthy, Executive Director of the ACG Foundation. “We are extremely honored to help implement this new technology and provide another layer of protection for our roadside heroes.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, EV drivers should follow the same protocol as drivers of internal combustion vehicles in the event of a fire:

• If you notice signs of smoke or fire, hear gurgling noises or smell a foreign chemical scent coming from the battery area of the vehicle, safely exit the vehicle, making sure to assist young children and other passengers.
• To avoid inhaling any harmful gases or smoke, passengers should make sure to move upwind and uphill of the vehicle, because the vehicle could roll downhill, and smoke and fumes could travel with the wind.  
• Never try to extinguish a vehicle fire with a fire extinguisher or anything else. Vehicle occupants should maintain a safe distance from the scene and alert the fire service to extinguish the EV fire.