In the wake of disastrous fires in Los Angeles, communities grapple not only with the physical destruction left behind but also with a barrage of narratives that attempt to explain the challenges of cleanup. A recent NBC News article takes aim at electric vehicles (EVs), suggesting that the lithium-ion batteries they use pose an outsized danger during post-fire recovery. The premise is alarming, drawing readers into a dramatic storyline of reigniting batteries, prolonged recovery timelines, and heightened risks for responders. But as the facts come into sharper focus, it becomes evident that the article’s foundation is riddled with oversimplifications, selective data, and a failure to acknowledge well-established protocols that mitigate such risks.
Drawing on authoritative research, statements from fire officials, and documented evidence, this article will dismantle the claims made in the NBC piece, replacing sensationalism with context and grounded analysis.
The NBC article hinges on the notion that electric vehicle batteries are a ticking time bomb in post-fire scenarios, capable of reigniting and prolonging cleanup efforts. Yet data from fire departments, government agencies, and industry experts paints a very different picture. Electric vehicles, while requiring specific safety protocols, do not represent a disproportionate hazard in comparison to the myriad risks encountered during fire recovery operations.
A 2020 report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) examined lithium-ion battery fires in electric vehicles and concluded that while battery packs can reignite under extreme circumstances, such instances are exceedingly rare when proper procedures are followed. The report emphasized that modern EV batteries are engineered with multiple layers of protection, including robust casings and cooling systems, to minimize the likelihood of thermal runaway events. These safeguards are not only effective in preventing initial fires but also play a critical role in mitigating risks during cleanup operations (source).
Firefighters in California, a state that routinely faces wildfires of devastating scale, have corroborated these findings. In interviews conducted by local outlets and firefighting associations, officials described how standard post-fire protocols address potential battery hazards. Damaged EV batteries are isolated, monitored with thermal imaging equipment, and transported in specialized containers to prevent any chance of delayed ignition. Far from being unmanageable, this process has become routine in regions where both EV ownership and wildfires intersect.
To put the NBC article’s claims into perspective, it is essential to consider the broader context of vehicle fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the overwhelming majority of vehicle fires involve gasoline-powered cars. A 2022 NFPA report revealed that internal combustion engine vehicles account for tens of thousands of fires annually, often triggered by fuel leaks, overheating engines, or electrical malfunctions. By contrast, EV fires are comparatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of total vehicle fires in the United States (source).
The NFPA’s Alternative Fuel Vehicles Safety Training Program highlights how first responders are equipped to handle EV battery incidents effectively. This training, which is available nationwide, ensures that firefighters and cleanup crews can identify and neutralize potential hazards posed by lithium-ion packs. The program’s success in reducing risks is well-documented, contradicting any notion that EV batteries represent an uncontrollable threat (source).
Given the clear evidence that EV battery hazards are both manageable and rare, why does the narrative of danger persist? Part of the answer lies in the media’s tendency to amplify isolated incidents. Viral videos of EV battery fires, while dramatic, fail to represent the broader data. These events are often caused by extreme damage, such as high-speed collisions or severe punctures, and are not indicative of typical post-fire conditions.
Moreover, there is a psychological element at play. Lithium-ion batteries are a relatively new technology in the automotive sector, and unfamiliarity breeds caution—and sometimes fear. This phenomenon is not unique to EVs; similar apprehensions surrounded the introduction of gasoline-powered vehicles in the early 20th century, with skeptics warning of explosive risks and insurmountable dangers. Over time, as technology improved and safety measures were standardized, these fears dissipated. The same trajectory is evident with EVs, as ongoing advancements in battery design and safety protocols continue to mitigate risks.
One of the most glaring omissions in the NBC article is its failure to acknowledge the extensive training and protocols in place to handle damaged EV batteries. Agencies like the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the NFPA have developed detailed guidelines for the safe handling, transport, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries. These protocols include isolating damaged packs in temperature-stable containers, using thermal imaging to detect potential hotspots, and coordinating with specialized hazardous materials teams.
In a 2023 update, PHMSA outlined best practices for managing EV batteries during cleanup operations, emphasizing that these measures are designed to integrate seamlessly into broader recovery efforts. The guidance, available on PHMSA’s official website, underscores that when these protocols are followed, the risk of battery-related incidents is minimal (source).
Fire departments across the country have embraced these protocols, incorporating them into their standard operating procedures. In interviews with firefighters in wildfire-prone regions, many expressed confidence in their ability to handle EV battery incidents. As one California fire chief noted, “We treat damaged EV batteries the same way we treat any potential hazard in a fire zone—with caution, training, and the right tools. It’s not a mystery; it’s a process.”
The NBC article’s claims are not just misleading; they risk shaping public perception in ways that could hinder progress. By framing EV batteries as a disproportionate hazard, the article feeds into a broader narrative of skepticism toward electric vehicles. This skepticism, if left unchecked, could slow the adoption of EVs at a time when their environmental benefits are urgently needed.
Such narratives also divert attention from the real challenges of fire cleanup. Toxic materials in building debris, compromised gas lines, and lingering hotspots in insulation represent far greater threats to recovery efforts than EV batteries. Focusing on an overblown hazard detracts from the resources and attention needed to address these more pressing issues.
The NBC article’s premise—that electric vehicle batteries are a significant danger during fire cleanup—does not hold up under scrutiny. Data from reputable organizations like the NFPA, NTSB, and PHMSA, along with the experiences of firefighters and cleanup crews, reveal a different reality. EV batteries, while requiring specialized handling, are far from the unmanageable hazard they are portrayed to be.
As with any developing technology, it is essential to approach lithium-ion batteries with caution and informed protocols. But caution should not be combined with fear, nor should isolated incidents be used to paint an entire category of technology as inherently dangerous. By grounding public discourse in facts rather than sensationalism, we can ensure that electric vehicles continue to play a vital role in building a cleaner, safer future.
References
https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-studies/Documents/SR2001.pdf
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/statistics/v19i2.pdf
https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/2023-04/PHMSA-Safety-Advisory-Transportation-of-EVs-Lithium-Batteries-April-2023.pdf
https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/12848-lithiumionsafetyhybrids_101217-v3-tag.pdf
