Warning: Fire blankets on electric vehicles can increase the risk of explosion – Fire Safety Research Institute informs

Warning: Fire blankets on electric vehicles can increase the risk of explosion – Fire Safety Research Institute informs

The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) is currently warning of a new risk associated with the use of fire blankets to fight electric vehicle (EV) fires. Recent research shows that if a fire blanket is used to extinguish a battery fire, dangerous gas buildup can occur despite suppressing flames, thus creating an explosion hazard.

Main problem: Thermal runaway and gas accumulation

Experts from the FSRI and the Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) have discovered that while covering a burning electric vehicle with a fire blanket extinguishes the open flames, thermal runaway—the uncontrolled heat buildup and ongoing chemical reaction in the battery pack—continues. This continues to generate large quantities of flammable gases that accumulate beneath the blanket. If the blanket is removed or air is introduced, a sudden explosion can occur. Only targeted cooling, for example with water, can effectively contain thermal runaway. Specialized extinguishing systems such as the SnakE modular perforation system, which has won the vfdb Excellence Award, can be used for this purpose.

Focus on research and security

The current warnings demonstrate the importance of ongoing research and the further development of firefighting tactics for electric vehicles. The FSRI and FPRF are working together to develop safe and effective methods for firefighters and to minimize risks such as the explosive potential described. Initial results will be presented at the NFPA Conference & Expo 2025, with detailed reports to follow in the fall.

Conclusion:
In the case of electric vehicle fires, the use of fire blankets should be critically re-examined. Targeted cooling of the battery remains the only safe way to minimize the risk of thermal runaway and a dangerous gas explosion. The modular SnakE extinguishing system can offer a versatile and intuitive solution for underbody cooling in electric vehicles.

More information: https://www.nfpa.org/about-nfpa/press-room/news-releases/2025/notice-highlights-potential-risk-with-electric-vehicle-firefighting-tactic-involving-fire-blankets