COLUMBIA, Md. — The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services recently conducted regional training at Howard Community College that focused on the challenges of electric vehicle (EV) fires.
The department posted on social media on March 6 that the special operations team led the training for fire department personnel and firefighters from several neighboring agencies, covering tactics and best practices for handling EV fires in complex settings such as parking garages.
| SURVEY: What Firefighters Want in 2026: Training
During the training, firefighters practiced removing a burning electric vehicle from a parking garage as well as using the department’s crane and a container designed to relocate the vehicle to a safer location.
The tactic of using a crane was recently used during an EV fire response on Interstate 95 in January. Firefighters also reviewed atmospheric monitoring equipment and discussed initial operations for suspected EV battery fires.
Officials said the training is needed because EV fires pose unique hazards, requiring different tactics and producing potentially dangerous vapors for responders and the public.
Because of those risks, departments may choose to move a burning EV to an isolated area rather than remain on scene for hours while working to control the fire. In parking garages, firefighters must also consider the potential for structural damage, collapse or fire extension into connected buildings.
The department thanked the Maryland State Police for assisting with the training and Howard Community College for providing space on its campus.
Participating agencies included the Baltimore County Fire Department, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Frederick County Fire & Rescue and the Maryland Department of the Environment.
A divided Quincy City Council blocked funding for new turnout gear despite testing that found cancer-linked chemicals in the current equipment
Collapse
Firefighter Mike Altman suffered second- and third-degree burns in a floor collapse while battling a fast-moving apartment fire
A Newark firefighter suffered burns during an early-morning apartment fire that left one victim in critical condition
Retired firefighter and longtime motorsports safety official Billy Hurt was killed when two emergency vehicles collided while responding to a crash during a sprint car race
$50,000 in fire department grants and 350 pancake breakfast fundraiser kits will be awarded
