Safety precautions and intervention techniques in electric vehicle fires

The rapid global diffusion of electric vehicle technologies has provided significant gains in environmental sustainability and energy efficiency within the transportation sector; however, this transformation process has also introduced new and distinctive safety risks. In particular, fires occurring in electric vehicles based on lithium-ion battery systems exhibit technical, chemical, and operational characteristics that differ substantially from those of conventional internal combustion engine vehicle fires. Factors such as high energy density, thermal runaway mechanisms, the tendency for re-ignition, and the release of toxic gases pose serious risks in terms of occupational health and safety. The aim of this study is to comprehensively analyze the characteristic features of electric vehicle fires, the existing safety measures, and the intervention techniques applied to such incidents from an occupational health and safety perspective, and to evaluate the adequacy of these practices. The research encompasses the structure and risks of lithium-ion battery systems used in electric vehicles, thermal runaway processes, the physical and chemical hazards that arise during and after a fire, and the effects of these hazards on emergency response personnel. The study demonstrates why electric vehicle fires require intervention approaches different from those applied to conventional vehicle fires and critically examines the adequacy of current response methods, personal protective equipment practices, and training levels in addressing these unique risks. In addition, national and international legislation, standards, and guideline documents related to electric vehicle fires are reviewed, and the strengths and weaknesses of existing practices are assessed. The findings indicate that although electric vehicle fires are relatively rare, they tend to be high-intensity and long-duration events, and that the risks of re-ignition and exposure to toxic gases are of critical importance, particularly from an occupational health and safety standpoint. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the necessity of managing electric vehicle fires through scientifically grounded, standardized, and occupational health and safety–oriented intervention strategies, and offers recommendations aimed at improving the training of emergency response personnel, updating relevant legislation, and enhancing institutional preparedness levels. Keywords: Electric Vehicle Fires, Firefighting and Intervention Techniques, Occupational Health and Safety, Emergency Management.