Fighting electric vehicle fires presents new challenges for Dutch firefighters
As electric vehicle numbers surge in the Netherlands, fire departments are adapting to the unique dangers and complexities these fires bring compared to traditional cars
The rapid increase in electric vehicle (EV) use across the Netherlands has brought new complications for firefighters responding to vehicle fires. Recent incidents, such as the blaze in an Enschede supermarket parking garage and the large-scale fire aboard the Morning Midas cargo ship in the Pacific Ocean, have highlighted the heightened risks and longer burn times associated with EV fires compared to those involving gasoline-powered cars. Firefighters consistently face hurdles due to the construction of EV battery packs, which are deeply embedded in the car’s base and made up of tightly packed cells that can ignite sequentially, making these fires more difficult and dangerous to control.
According to the Netherlands Institute for Public Safety (NIPV), EV fire incidents rose by 10% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with most cases originating from malfunctioning wiring or arson rather than spontaneous battery ignition. The unique and toxic smoke from EV battery fires, in addition to the possibility of explosion, further complicates firefighting efforts. One widely used method involves submerging the burning vehicle in a water-filled container, though this approach is impractical for larger vehicles. In response, NIPV is developing new techniques like ultra-high-pressure (UHD) systems that pierce the battery pack to inject water directly, requiring significant expertise to operate safely.
The Dutch government’s goal of eliminating road transport emissions by 2050 means more EVs will be on the roads, potentially increasing the frequency of such challenging fires. Some officials, including Esther Lieben of the Dutch Fire Service, have called for bans on EVs in underground parking garages, citing the dangers of fires that are difficult to access below ground. However, other experts argue that EV fires remain less common than those involving gasoline vehicles and advocate for improved parking garage design and safety measures instead. With the European Union set to ban sales of new fuel-powered cars from 2035, the number of electric vehicles — and the importance of safe firefighting protocols — will continue to rise.
