The Farmington Public Safety Department has completed training on new firefighting equipment — a state-of-the-art fire blanket for electric vehicle fires and an accompanying emergency plug. This was afforded through a AAA Auto Club Foundation Grant.

 

“This generous grant enhances the department's ability to combat EV fires and ensures better protection for our firefighters and citizens,” said Farmington Public Safety Fire Marshal Will Wood.

 

Wood explained that electric vehicle fires can be difficult to extinguish without a blanket and could take thousands of gallons of water - thermal runaway is a self-sustaining chain reaction that occurs when a battery cell overheats. The heat spreads to adjacent battery cells and the reaction can continue even after flames are no longer visible, making firefighting with water largely ineffective.

The blanket is specifically engineered for rapid deployment, which is critical in life-threatening situations. The plug is another safety precaution when extinguishing an EV fire. The plug is inserted into the charging port of any electronic vehicle and tricks the vehicle’s software into thinking the vehicle is being charged, thus activating safety measures that will not allow the vehicle to move forward or in reverse under its own power.

The AAA Auto Club Group is a longstanding supporter of local emergency services and provided the fire blanket as part of its commitment to enhancing community safety. The fire blanket is designed for high performance in extreme conditions, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.