Date of Request
December 23
Request
Dear sir/madam
Under the Freedom of Information Act/Environmental Information Regulations,
I would like to request the following information:
- How may fires have your Service attended which involved electric or Hybrid vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries between the following dates 1/1/21 – 1/11/23?
- Of these fires attended in how many of these was the cause recorded as a fault on the lithium-ion battery?
- Of the fires attended how many involved the lithium battery cells?
- Have your Service developed specific operational procedures for dealing with fires involving lithium-ion batteries?
- Have your service purchased any specific equipment/extinguishing/PPE agents to deal with fires involving lithium-ion batteries?
- Does your Service provide specific training to operational crews who may be called to fires involving lithium-ion batteries?
- Where lithium-ion batteries are involved in RTA’s persons trapped, do you adopt any specific measures to isolate the potential battery ignition risk?
- Have your Service initiated any specific information gathering exercise on fires attended involving lithium ion batteries?
Yours faithfully
Response
Dear X
Thank you for your request for information, which has been received by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (the Service) and considered under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000. Please accept our sincere apologies for the delay in responding to your request.
The Service can confirm that some of the requested information is held. Please find the answers to your questions as below:
1. How may fires have your Service attended which involved electric or Hybrid vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries between the following dates 1/1/21 – 1/11/23?
During the given time period (01/01/2021 to 01/11/2023), the Service attended 13 fires related to electric vehicles. Please note that a search was carried out including hybrid vehicles as well.
2. Of these fires attended in how many of these was the cause recorded as a fault on the lithium-ion battery?
This information is currently not recorded in the Incident Recording System.
3. Of the fires attended how many involved the lithium battery cells?
This information is currently not recorded in the Incident Recording System.
4. Have your Service developed specific operational procedures for dealing with fires involving lithium-ion batteries?
Yes, we have specific operational guidance derived from the National Operational Guidance (NFCC). This includes Domestic Energy Storage Systems (DESS) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
5. Have your service purchased any specific equipment/extinguishing/PPE agents to deal with fires involving lithium-ion batteries?
No, we have not purchased any specific equipment/extinguishing/PPE agents.
6. Does your Service provide specific training to operational crews who may be called to fires involving lithium-ion batteries?
Operational Crews have received EV specific training.
7. Where lithium-ion batteries are involved in RTA’s persons trapped, do you adopt any specific measures to isolate the potential battery ignition risk?
Yes, crews are trained to manage the risks as much as possible whilst prioritising the casualty rescue and safety. This would involve where possible isolating the battery for example using the cut-off switch.
8. Have your Service initiated any specific information gathering exercise on fires attended involving lithium ion batteries?
Operational personal have had electric vehicle training and if safe to do so, would identify and operate isolation points using the manufacturers guidance. HWFRS adhere to the ‘Emergency Responders Guide to Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles’ NFCC guidance.
If you have any questions regarding your request, please contact Information Governance and Committee Services on tel: 0345 122 4454 or by e-mail informationrequests@hwfire.org.uk. In any such communication please include the reference number assigned (see Subject).
Should you have any queries regarding the management of your request and wish to make either a complaint or request a review of the information disclosed to you, please do so by using Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s complaints system: Comments and Complaints. This must be done within 40 working days of our response to your request. After this date and in line with ICO guidance the Service is not obliged to provide an internal review of your request.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the internal review, you may appeal the decision by contacting the Information Commissioner, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF, Tel: 0303 123 1113 (alternatively 01625 545745) or E-mail: casework@ico.org.uk.
Further information on Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service may be viewed at the Service’s website: www.hwfire.org.uk
Thank you for your request for information.
Kind regards
Information Governance Team