(Photo: El Paso Fire Department)
Incident Overview
On the morning of July 25th, two electric cars caught fire on a car hauler on Interstate 10 east and Copia in El Paso, Texas. The fire caused a big traffic jam, stopping cars for hours. Thanks to the quick work of the fire crews, the fire was put out fast, preventing more damage and keeping people safe.
Quick Response from Fire Crews
According to ABC 7, the El Paso Fire Department (EPFD) acted fast when they got the call. The fire started in two electric cars on a commercial trailer. The fire crews arrived quickly and put out the fire. Their quick action stopped the fire from spreading and kept the area safe.
Ensuring Lithium Battery Safety
Electric cars have lithium-ion batteries, which can be dangerous if they catch fire. The fire crews checked the batteries to make sure they were safe to move. They made sure the batteries were not damaged or too hot before moving the cars. This careful work helped prevent more problems.
Traffic Disruption and Cleanup
The fire and cleanup blocked traffic on Interstate 10 for hours. This caused long delays for drivers. The fire department worked hard to clear the road and make it safe again. Traffic was back to normal after several hours.
EPFD’s Statement
The El Paso Fire Department shared news about the fire on their Facebook page. They wrote:
“EPFD crews responded to an 18-wheeler on fire on I10E and Copia this morning. A fire affecting two electric vehicles was promptly contained, and no injuries were reported. Crews then ensured that the lithium batteries inside the cars were safe enough to be moved from the scene. Traffic was stopped for several hours but has now been restored.”
Importance of Safety Measures
This electric car fire shows how important it is to be ready for fires involving electric cars. The fire department’s fast and careful response kept everyone safe and stopped the fire from getting worse. Their training and quick actions made a big difference.
The El Paso Fire Department did a great job handling this fire. They acted fast and made sure the lithium batteries were safe. No one was hurt, and the fire was put out quickly. As more electric cars are on the road, it’s important for emergency crews to know how to handle these kinds of fires.