"There needs to be a lot of training and education," says expert on use of electric vehicles in heavy industry
Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are thrust into the spotlight as a serious safety concern during natural disasters like wildfires. The recent fires in Los Angeles County have raised alarms about the risks posed by damaged lithium-ion batteries, with implications reaching far beyond California. Health and safety leaders in Canada’s heavy industries—oil and gas, mining, forestry—should take note, as wildfires increasingly threaten remote work sites relying on battery-electric vehicles.
Kristen Bujold, Communications Manager at Cirba Solutions, underscores the risks highlighted by the California wildfires. “Approximately 40% of US EVs are in the state of California, and these vehicles are predominantly powered by lithium-ion batteries,” she says. “When exposed to extreme heat or flooding—conditions common in wildfires—these batteries can ignite or even reignite after a fire has been extinguished.”
Understanding the hazard
EV batteries are a technological marvel but pose unique challenges in disaster scenarios. During the LA wildfires, firefighters faced difficulties extinguishing fires involving EV batteries. The combination of extreme heat and water exposure created conditions where batteries could smolder or spark anew. This issue becomes even more critical when cleanup crews unknowingly approach compromised batteries.
“First responders use large amounts of water to put out fires,” Bujold explains. “But that can flood the battery, causing additional damage. Lithium-ion batteries can reignite, posing risks not only to firefighters but also to cleanup teams managing the aftermath.”
For heavy industries in Canada, these dangers are not theoretical. Remote mining camps, oil fields, and logging sites often use battery-electric vehicles in harsh, wildfire-prone environments. The combination of inaccessible locations and limited emergency resources heightens the stakes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety strategies.
Mitigation strategies for safety leaders
Bujold stresses that the foundation of mitigation is education and preparation. “There needs to be a lot of training and education,” she says. “Prior to engaging with more electric vehicles, companies must align themselves with emergency response teams experienced in handling EV batteries. This ensures they have tools and mechanisms in place before a crisis arises.”
Safe handling of damaged EV batteries begins with proper assessment. Bujold advises always treating a battery as damaged if it has been in a hazardous situation. “You won’t be able to see the damage most of the time because EV batteries are encased within the vehicle,” she notes. “Always assume the battery is energized and treat it as high-voltage.”
Once identified, damaged batteries require careful transport and disposal. “The battery needs to be properly packaged with thermal management to prevent movement during transport,” Bujold explains. “Movement can trigger a thermal event, where one cell overheats and causes others to do the same. It’s critical to send damaged batteries directly for processing instead of storing them.”
Implications for Canadian industry
In Canada, where wildfires are a recurring threat, industries must factor battery hazards into their emergency preparedness plans. Remote work sites—already at higher risk due to limited firefighting resources—face compounded challenges if EV batteries are not managed correctly.
Bujold emphasizes the importance of partnerships. “Collaboration with experts is key,” she says. “Working with organizations experienced in EV battery handling ensures that safety protocols are up to date and risks are mitigated.”
Despite the challenges, Bujold reminds safety leaders that EVs are a step forward in industrial safety. “Electric vehicles are safe,” she says. “In fact, they may even be safer than traditional lead-acid batteries in many cases. But natural disasters, like wildfires, are unpredictable. Companies need to be proactive in their approach to safety.”
The recent LA wildfires are a stark reminder of the hidden risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. For Canada’s heavy industries, where the adoption of electric vehicles is accelerating, these lessons are crucial. With proper training, strategic partnerships, and emergency planning, health and safety leaders can navigate these challenges, ensuring the safety of their workers and the sustainability of their operations.
