As electric vehicles and lithium-powered equipment become more common, fire departments and facilities must adapt their response strategies. Lithium-ion battery fires present unique hazards including thermal runaway, extreme heat release, toxic off-gassing, and re-ignition risks.

Smoke from EV fires can travel hundreds of feet, leaving behind toxic residue containing heavy metals that do not evaporate. This makes containment crucial to prevent secondary contamination and long-term post-incident risks.

For departments sourcing reliable fire and rescue equipment, Bridgehill Fire Blankets provide a proven containment solution designed to enhance scene control, reduce spread and protect surrounding structures.

As a trusted fire department equipment supplier, All Hands Fire offers Bridgehill Fire Blankets as part of a complete lineup of firefighter gear, rescue tools and safety protection equipment.

Common Challenges Associated with EV Fires

Electric vehicle (EV) fires present unique and serious hazards to both responders and the surrounding environment. One of the most significant dangers is exposure to toxic off-gassing from lithium-ion battery cells during thermal runaway.

These incidents can release harmful substances, including hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and other toxic vapors.

Responders may also face risks from skin contact with corrosive gases, eye exposure to irritant fumes, inhalation of hazardous smoke, or contact with metal-containing soot particles such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese.

These risks can be even greater for civilians, who typically lack protective equipment and may be unknowingly exposed to airborne toxins or contaminated surfaces. Without proper protection and effective scene control, such exposures can result in serious, long-term, or even fatal health consequences.

The risks extend well beyond immediate health threats. EV fires can produce persistent toxic smoke, create contaminated runoff, contribute to fire spread, and leave behind stranded energy within damaged battery packs — posing ongoing hazards even after visible flames are extinguished.

Understanding these challenges is critical to developing safer, more controlled response strategies for EV-related incidents.

EV Fire Containment: A Critical Addition to Fire Rescue Gear

Traditional suppression methods can produce variable outcomes and require significant resources when managing EV fires. Bridgehill Fire Blankets deliver predictable, controlled outcomes and are engineered to rapidly contain toxic smoke, flames, and heat by isolating the vehicle or battery pack at the source.

When deployed, the blanket restricts oxygen supply, contains flames and smoke within seconds, helps reduce surface temperatures and limits fire propagation between battery cells.

While lithium-ion batteries generate oxygen during thermal runaway, effective containment remains one of the most critical strategies for limiting the release and spread of toxic gases, reducing secondary ignition risks, and protecting surrounding structures.

Prepared for Every EV Incident

When most people think of EV fire incidents, they picture passenger vehicles. However, the risk extends far beyond cars. E-bikes, e-scooters, electric motorcycles, and other lithium-ion–powered devices are increasingly involved in fire incidents — often in residential buildings, parking garages, transit systems, and commercial spaces.

As the use of battery-powered mobility devices continues to grow, so does the need for proper response tools.

Departments must be prepared not only for vehicle fires on roadways, but also for smaller-format battery fires in confined or occupied environments. Having the right equipment — such as EV fire blankets — can play a critical role in containment, exposure protection, and scene control across a wide range of lithium-ion incidents.

Applications Across Industries and Emergency Services

Bridgehill Fire Blankets are deployed across parking garages, tunnels, EV charging stations, tow yards, auto dealerships, airports, military installations, industrial and warehouse facilities, and marine and transport operations. For agencies already operating water rescue boats, swift water rescue boats, or other specialized response equipment, adding EV containment solutions strengthens overall operational preparedness.

Certified Performance and Trusted Deployment

Select Bridgehillmodels, including the Car Pro X Reusable and Car Standard Single Use blankets, meet NFPA standards — reinforcing their suitability for professional fire service use.

Bridgehill Fire Blankets are currently deployed by fire departments, hazmat teams, industrial facilities, and government agencies nationwide, including Port Authority of NY & NJ, Boston Fire Department, Edwards Air Force Base, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Spokane City Hazmat Team, NASCAR and General Motors.

Their adoption reflects the growing demand for advanced fire and rescue equipment capable of addressing emerging lithium battery risks.

Preparing for the Future of Fire Response

Electric vehicle adoption continues to increase nationwide. Departments that proactively integrate EV fire containment into their operational planning will be better positioned to manage lithium battery incidents safely and effectively.

Explore the full Bridgehill Fire Blanketcollection at AllHandsFire.com.

For product guidance and/or quotes, contact our team at sales@allhandsfire.com or call 888-681-1009.