Charging stations that supply power to multiple electric vehicles (EVs) are primarily available along major highways. However, they are becoming more common in public parking garages and workplace parking lots.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) defines these EV charging stations as direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations with high electric potentials ranging from 400 to 1,000 volts.

When an emergency occurs at one of these stations, responders need a quick means to disconnect power to mitigate the emergency safely. However, many responders are neither trained nor equipped to operate in extreme electrical hazard areas, especially if these areas do not have a readily accessible electrical disconnect.

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) recently announced progress toward changing National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70: National Electric Code to add requirements for emergency disconnects on EV charging stations.

In 2023, a task group composed of experts from DHS S&T’s Big City Fire Working Group and the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory formed to recommend language to address the need and propose changes to the code.

The final step in revising NFPA 70 will take place in June 2025, when a technical committee will vote to approve the language for inclusion in the 2026 version.

In addition to DCFCs, the DOT defines 2 additional EV charging speeds: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 chargers are the most common and can operate through a common residential 120-volt AC outlet.

Although Level 1 and Level 2 charging equipment operates at a lower voltage than DCFCs, installing and operating these chargers properly is critical to lowering the risk of fire or electric shock. The U.S. Fire Administration provides safety messages and an Electric Vehicle Charging Safety Tips sheet PDF that you can share with EV owners in your community.

Learn more about DHS S&T’s project to update NFPA 70 and enhance DCFC charging station safety in its Jan. 16 feature article. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website for more information on EV battery charging safety and how to locate public charging stations in your area.

U.S. Fire Administration and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Release “Electric Vehicle Fire/Rescue Response Operations Guide” PDF

Electric vehicle (EV) technology has become commonplace, but there is limited credible response guidance for emergency responders. The dynamic nature of battery technology and EV manufacturing presents substantial challenges in effectively managing EV fires. There are substantial gaps in the science available to inform safe and effective approaches for identifying, confining and extinguishing EV fires.

Fire and emergency medical services (EMS) responders must continue to learn and adapt strategies and tactics for safely handling EV-related incidents as new, evidence-based information becomes available from credible sources.

The aim of this guide is to provide basic information and resources to help ensure safe response operations at emergency incidents involving EVs. You will find sections that explain:

Current challenges

• Limited science-based guidance for fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, towing operators and automotive recovery industry.
• Significant differences in battery types, chemistry, location and size across different EV brands, models and years.
• Existing tactics, tools and procedures for addressing EV fires are not always based on scientific evidence.

Ongoing research

• Multiple experiments and research studies are underway, sponsored by government agencies, battery manufacturers, automobile companies, academic institutions and not-for-profit researchers.
• Aim to close existing knowledge gaps and develop evidence-based strategies for safely handling EV-related incidents.

Importance of continuous learning

• First and second responders must stay informed about evolving strategies and tactics for managing EV incidents.
• New, evidence-based information from credible sources is essential for safe response operations.

Response operations

• No universally accepted, scientifically validated method for extinguishing all types of EV fires.
• Responders must continually analyze, plan, implement and evaluate the specific situation from dispatch to recovery.
• Variety of battery chemistries and configurations make responding to EV incidents challenging.

Tools and equipment

• Wide range of tools, equipment and products marketed for use with EVs.
• Limited data is available for first responders to evaluate the effectiveness of these tools.

Sections covered in the guide

• Background: overview of the current state of EV technology and the challenges faced by responders.
• Risk assessment: identifying potential risks associated with EV incidents.
• Size up: evaluating the situation upon arrival at the scene.
• Tactical considerations: strategies and tactics for managing EV fires.
• Recovery considerations: steps for safely recovering and handling EVs post-incident.
• Case studies: real-world examples of EV incidents and response efforts.
• Knowledge gaps: areas where further research and information are needed to improve response strategies.

Effective response to EV incidents requires continuous learning and adaptation as new information and technologies emerge. This guide aims to provide basic information and resources to ensure safe response operations and identify key knowledge gaps for future research.