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Electric vehicle fires can be difficult to extinguish

On Behalf of | Feb 26, 2023 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

If you are in the market for a new car, truck or SUV, it might make sense to consider buying an electric vehicle. After all, according to the California Air Resources Board, the state plans to eliminate the sale of emission-producing vehicles by 2035. This means many more of your neighbors are likely to be driving electric vehicles in the next few years.

While electrical vehicles have many impressive and environmentally friendly aspects, they also have a downside. Specifically, when electric vehicles catch fire, firefighters can have a difficult time extinguishing the blaze.

Why are electric car fires hard to fight?

Even though electric car fires are rare, they often burn considerably hotter than other fires. As a result, firefighters often are unable to extinguish electric car fires using conventional methods. Moreover, due to the stored energy in electric car batteries, fires can reignite long after firefighters seemingly have extinguished them.

How can you stay safe?

Firefighters are going to continue to hone their approach to extinguishing electric car fires, so you probably do not need to stay away from purchasing an electric vehicle. You should, however, know how to stay safe when a car catches fire. Indeed, quickly exiting a burning vehicle and moving far away from it can save your life.

Rather than trying to put out an electric car fire on your own, it is advisable to leave the job to professional firefighters. Ultimately, though, if you suffer an injury due to an electric vehicle fire, you might have grounds to pursue substantial financial compensation.