02 Sep Nigeria fire service highlights new EV and CNG risks

Nigeria’s Federal Fire Service (FFS) has warned that the growing adoption of electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles is creating new challenges for emergency responders, requiring specialist training, equipment and firefighting techniques.

Chief Superintendent of Fire Badmus Abdulsamad, of the FFS Lagos Command, outlined the challenges during the 3rd Auto Industry Summit in Lagos, where he presented the command’s preparedness strategy for incidents involving EVs and CNG-powered vehicles.

While battery-electric vehicles are statistically less likely to catch fire than conventional petrol-powered vehicles, Abdulsamad said incidents involving EVs can present particular challenges because of their lithium-ion batteries.

A key concern is thermal runaway, a self-sustaining chemical reaction that generates extreme heat and can spread between battery cells. EV battery fires can also produce toxic and explosive vapours, create projectile hazards and present a risk of reignition after visible flames have been extinguished.

Incidents can occur while vehicles are being driven, parked or charged, with potential causes including collisions, debris penetrating battery packs, previous mechanical damage, extreme weather and charging faults.

Abdulsamad stressed that battery cooling is a critical part of the firefighting response, with large quantities of water potentially required over an extended period to prevent thermal runaway from spreading. Damaged vehicles can also reignite hours or days later, creating additional hazards at towing yards, storage facilities and fire stations.

High-voltage electrical systems represent another risk, particularly following collisions. The FFS also highlighted the toxic and corrosive substances that can be released when lithium-ion batteries burn, including hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.

CNG vehicles present a different set of hazards. Their high-pressure cylinders and associated pressure relief devices require specific response procedures, while leaking gas can create an ignition risk. CNG flames can also be difficult to see despite generating intense heat.

The FFS said responders should not approach damaged CNG cylinders without appropriate protective equipment, training and risk assessment, while ignition sources must be eliminated and the possibility of cylinder failure considered.

The Service said it is strengthening its response capability through rapid intervention vehicles, fire bikes, fire trucks and hydraulic platforms. Firefighters are also receiving local and international training covering firefighting, rescue and breathing apparatus operations.

The Lagos Command is working with state and private fire services and other strategic partners, while public education remains a key part of its prevention strategy.

The FFS said the transition towards cleaner mobility needs to be accompanied by specialised emergency-response training, appropriate safety standards and greater awareness of the distinct hazards associated with alternative-energy vehicles.