10 Jul International Fire Training Centre launches new Electric Vehicle fire training course

Introducing the UK’s first dedicated Electric Vehicle (EV) fire course, developed at the International Fire Training Centre (IFTC) managed and operated by Serco.

The course will offer emergency responders practical training in managing EV-involved fires combined with critical safety awareness.

Featuring an innovative and realistic ‘EV fire simulator’, the course includes electric vehicle thermal runaway and fire simulations.

The simulator has been designed to facilitate multiple scenarios, enabling effective and repeatable training of electric vehicle fire containment and suppression tactics.

Participants will receive instruction on fire suppression techniques, including vehicle fire blanket application and under-chassis cooling.

Additionally, non-fire first responders will have the opportunity to participate in vehicle fire blanket applications and safely quarantine cars with suspected faults. They will also observe live fire exercises, experiencing the simulated conditions of an EV fire.

Ryan Flaherty, Serco Training and Resilience Director highlighted the importance of being prepared to safely contain and suppress Electric Vehicle fires due to the extensive EV market globally.

The course has been developed in partnership with Martin Lown BEM from FireWiseUK Learning Academy, who served in the UK Fire and Rescue Service for 30 years and specializes in Vehicle Fire Investigation and Alternative Fuelled Vehicles (AFVs)/EVs.

The course is aligned to the new IMI National Occupational Standards EV02a & EV02b for Electric Vehicle Response and will provide essential awareness, recognition, and knowledge of Electric Vehicle abnormal thermal events and fires, using the new EV Fire Simulator.