WFD Ops Talk
Ops Talk - Real conversations about fire department operations, tactics, and the people doing the work. Hosted by Westminster Fire Department Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger, featuring firefighters, officers, and subject matter experts from inside and outside the organization.
Each month, we explore the challenges facing modern fire service operations - from evolving tactics like electric vehicle fires and hazmat response, to position profiles that go beyond the job description, to lessons learned from real incidents and deployments. We discuss leadership, team building, specialty teams, and the expertise that makes great firefighters even better.
Whether you're a firefighter looking to grow professionally, aspiring to promote, or simply interested in emergency operations, these honest conversations offer practical insights you can use. Think of it as pulling up a chair at the kitchen table - real discussions about the work we do and how we can all learn from each other.
New episodes monthly, with occasional bonus content on timely topics.
Questions or topic suggestions? Email opstalk.wfd@gmail.com
WFD Ops Talk
Episode 3: Navigating the Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Challenge
Summary
In this episode of the OpsTalk podcast, host Eric Linnenburger discusses the emerging challenges of battery fires, particularly those involving electric vehicles (EVs) and lithium-ion batteries, with Battalion Chiefs David Varney and Luke Gearhard. The conversation covers the development of policies for handling these incidents, the importance of education and adaptability in firefighting tactics, and the need for collaboration among fire departments. The chiefs share insights from their experiences, including case studies of recent EV fires, and emphasize the importance of safety protocols, proper equipment, and ongoing training for firefighters.
Takeaways
-Battery fires, especially from EVs, are a growing concern.
-Policies for handling EV fires are evolving based on new information.
-Education and adaptability are crucial for firefighters.
-Firefighters must be aware of the toxic gases produced by battery fires.
-Proper PPE and air supply are essential during battery fire incidents.
-Collaboration among fire departments enhances response strategies.
-Understanding the science behind battery fires can improve tactics.
-Letting a battery fire burn can sometimes be the safest option.
-Early identification of EVs can change the response approach.
-Post-incident procedures are critical for firefighter safety.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Battery Fires and Guest Introductions
04:39 Policies for Handling Battery Fires
16:11 Approaches to Photovoltaic Systems and Safety
26:27 Portable Battery Fires and Best Practices
30:38 Mitigating Lithium-Ion Battery Hazards
34:13 Understanding Thermal Runaway in Batteries
37:57 Navigating Electric Vehicle Fires
49:29 Letting It Burn: A New Approach to EV Fires
56:10 Collaborating with Tow Companies for Safe EV Handling
58:53 The Challenges of EV Vehicle Storage
01:01:23 Understanding EV Fire Risks and Safety Measures
01:04:59 Innovations in Firefighting Tactics for EVs
01:09:27 Best Practices for Responding to EV Incidents
01:14:03 Post-Incident Considerations and Safety Protocols
01:17:33 The Importance of Continuous Learning in Firefighting
Keywords
battery fires, EV fires, lithium-ion batteries, firefighting tactics, energy storage, fire safety, fire department policies, emergency response, hazardous materials, firefighter training, extinguishment, EV blankets, firefighting foam, SCBA, vapors
Links
Firehouse Fishing Company YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/@UC2RJDCn4V41fvrsbAzR7myA
Firehouse Fishing Company Website:
https://firehousefishingcompany.com/
Mountain View Garage Explosion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCQ_7xDQ7Ho&list=PLqmyxWIqEauQNMW-bcstglj1Fseks_K9k
StacheD Training:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCoEAf9DqlFLAHYzog_Y21DQ
Sacramento Incidents:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-XFHdnN1tE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hO5R07NNzY
South Metro Incident:
https://youtu.be/J0gRFIbsx1E?si=HwouoQq6O1l1rEcS
FSRI Fire Blanket Testing:
https://fsri.org/research-update/experiments-studying-fire-blanket-effectiveness-control-electric-vehicle-fires-are
https://fsri.org/news/potential-hazard-involving-ev-fire-blankets
FSRI EV Experiments:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6j3GtcAfE0
Contact:
opstalk.wfd@gmail.com
Eric Linnenburger
linkedin.com/in/eric-linnenburger
elinnenb@westminsterco.gov
David Varney
dvarney@westminsterco.gov
Luke Gearhard
lgearhar@westminsterco.gov