In a high-voltage fire, when should you not attempt to fight it?

In a high-voltage fire, when should you not attempt to fight it?

• A. If you can call for help
• B. If the high-voltage battery is the source of the fire
• C. If the fire is small and you have an extinguisher
• D. If you are the only person nearby

Answer: (B)

When the fire originates from the high‑voltage battery, you should not try to fight it. The battery pack stores a large amount of energy and can enter thermal runaway, meaning the fire can continue to burn, reignite, or spread even if you start extinguishing flames around it. High‑voltage systems inside EVs can shock you, and the battery contains toxic electrolytes and gases that are dangerous to breathe. Ordinary firefighting methods often don’t work well on lithium‑ion or other EV battery fires, and attempting to suppress it without the right training, PPE, and equipment can make the situation worse or cause injury. The safer course is to remove yourself from danger, call for help, and give responders space to isolate the vehicle’s power and apply the appropriate cooling or extinguishing methods. If you’re able to do so safely, keep others away, avoid touching or cutting into the battery or high‑voltage cables, and wait for trained firefighters who have procedures and gear designed for high‑voltage battery fires.

When the fire originates from the high‑voltage battery, you should not try to fight it. The battery pack stores a large amount of energy and can enter thermal runaway, meaning the fire can continue to burn, reignite, or spread even if you start extinguishing flames around it. High‑voltage systems inside EVs can shock you, and the battery contains toxic electrolytes and gases that are dangerous to breathe. Ordinary firefighting methods often don’t work well on lithium‑ion or other EV battery fires, and attempting to suppress it without the right training, PPE, and equipment can make the situation worse or cause injury.

The safer course is to remove yourself from danger, call for help, and give responders space to isolate the vehicle’s power and apply the appropriate cooling or extinguishing methods. If you’re able to do so safely, keep others away, avoid touching or cutting into the battery or high‑voltage cables, and wait for trained firefighters who have procedures and gear designed for high‑voltage battery fires.