08/21/2026
Extrication Training - Post 2 of 2
This week, the Camanche Fire Department, with help from CPKC and especially Tony Houdyshell, hosted multiple training sessions presented by Vehicle Response Training. Firefighters from Camanche and several surrounding agencies attended to learn about the unique challenges presented by electric vehicles.
The training covered how electric vehicles are constructed, how to safely operate around them following a collision, and how to respond when one is involved in a fire. As electric vehicles become more common on our roadways, understanding these differences is critical to keeping both responders and the public safe.
One of the most interesting topics discussed was battery fires. Unlike a traditional gasoline vehicle fire, lithium-ion battery fires can experience a process known as thermal runaway, where damaged battery cells continue generating heat and can reignite even after the visible fire appears to be out.
For that reason, our goal isn't always to completely extinguish an electric vehicle fire immediately. In many situations, the safer approach is to contain and control the incident, prevent the fire from spreading, and allow the damaged battery to finish burning through its stored energy. While that may look unusual to bystanders, it is often the safest and most effective strategy.
That brings us to one of our newest tools: the EV Fire Blanket.
Despite what many people think, the blanket isn't designed to "smother" the fire and put it out. Instead, it helps contain the fire, reduce heat and flame spread, and protect nearby vehicles, buildings, and other exposures while firefighters manage the incident. In short, it helps us keep the problem isolated and under control.
We would like to thank Vehicle Response Training, CPKC, and our CPKC rep Tony Houdyshell for providing this valuable training opportunity. As vehicle technology continues to evolve, we remain committed to ensuring our firefighters have the knowledge, equipment, and training needed to serve our community safely and effectively.
