JFB Training Members to Respond to EV Fires

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent on the island, the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is ramping up training efforts to equip firefighters with the necessary skills to effectively respond to EV fires.

Speaking with JIS News recently, Commissioner of the JFB, Stewart Beckford, said the entity is focusing on educating firefighters on the best response strategies.

This is to ensure that firefighters have the necessary resources to tackle these emerging threats.

As a result, the JFB has been working closely with key stakeholders to enhance firefighter training and preparedness.

These include the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) and ATL Automotive and the Jamaican-German Automotive School.

“We have had about three or four of these fires on our roads already that we have responded to. As the number of these vehicles increase, we can only expect to respond to more fires involving EVs,” Commissioner Beckford said.

He further noted that there is no foolproof method in tackling EV fires, which can take up to eight hours to extinguish and may even reignite after.

A key factor contributing to the difficulty in putting out EV fires is the lithium-ion battery, which generates its own oxygen and emits highly toxic fumes when burning, posing a threat to firefighters and the public.

“So, while my firefighters may attack an internal combustion engine fire without necessarily being in a breathing apparatus, if they do that with an EV vehicle, they may not survive,” he explained.

Commissioner Beckford said the JFB remains committed to staying ahead of emerging risks as Jamaica continues to see advancements in vehicle technology.

“People are relying on us, so we must be able to respond. We do not have the luxury of saying we cannot come because we do not have our people. We must provide the assistance that you need,” Commissioner Beckford said.