As EV batteries catch fire in Florida, a call for training in NJ

TRENTON – Fires involving electric vehicles that are occurring in Florida due to saltwater damage from Hurricane Ian have New Jersey lawmakers renewing attention to a proposal to provide firefighters and emergency medical technicians training for such events.It can take up to eight hours of pouring water on it to extinguish a fire in an electric car battery, which has been happening in Florida due to corrosion in EVs that had been submerged in water.Assemblywoman Bethanne McCarthy Patrick, R-Salem, a life member of Pennsville Fire and Rescue, said the usual methods for putting out a fire don’t work on electric vehicles and could cause an explosion.She said the state Division of Fire Safety should adopt new training.“Unfortunately, electric vehicle fires are a new threat that we are unprepared for and one that is not showing any signs of slowing down,” McCarthy Patrick said….

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