Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries (FOI)

​​​​​​Request

A

How may fires has the States of Jersey Fire and Recue Services (SJFRS) attended which involved electric or hybrid vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries between 1 January 2021 to 1 November 2023?

B

Of the fires attended, in how many of these was the cause recorded as a fault on the lithium-ion battery?

C

Of the fires attended, how many involved the lithium battery cells?

D

Has the SJFRS developed specific operational procedures for dealing with fires involving lithium-ion batteries?

E

Has the SJFRS purchased any specific equipment, extinguishing or PPE agents to deal with fires involving lithium-ion batteries?

F

Does the SJFRS provide specific training to operational crews who may be called to fires involving lithium-ion batteries?

G

Where lithium-ion batteries are involved in people being trapped after a road traffic accident, are any specific measures adopted to isolate the potential battery ignition risk?

H

Has the SJFRS initiated any specific information gathering exercise on fires attended involving lithium ion batteries?

Response

A

Between the dates, 1 January 2021 and 1 November 2023, the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service (SJFRS) has attended three fires involving electrically powered vehicles, two being mobility scooters and one being an e-bike.

B

The most probable cause of these fires was a fault during charging.

C

All three incidents involved the lithium battery cells.

D

Specific operational procedures have been developed.

E

SJFRS has purchased electric vehicle fire blankets to assist in the containment of a fire to prevent spread to neighbouring vehicles, property, etc.  

F

Operational personnel have received guidance in appropriate tactics and training in the deployment of the above equipment.

G

Specific measures to isolate potential battery ignition risks are adopted.

H

SJFRS has not initiated any specific information gathering exercise. ​