Latest news with #AuroraFire
CBS News
26-03-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Colorado Tesla crash, fire highlights unique dangers posed by electric vehicle fires
The Aurora Police Department is still investigating Monday night's crash that killed the driver and sent several others, including multiple children, to the hospital. The Tesla went up in flames, meaning fire crews had to be cautious in their suppression efforts due to the unique dangers posed by electric vehicle fires and their large lithium-ion batteries. Paul Shoemaker , an Aurora firefighter and paramedic, teaches crews nationwide about lithium-ion batteries and the challenges in fighting fires when those batteries cause them. While EV fires are becoming more frequent, they still account for a small portion of overall fire calls. "There are more and more of these on the road, and we're starting to run into the issues that these things can have a little bit more frequently," said Shoemaker. "In the city of Aurora, there have only been two or three documented cases of electric vehicles going into thermal runaway, with this being one of the most significant." When it comes to tackling electric vehicle fires, he says the dynamics are much different from traditional gas-powered vehicle fires. "One of them would be the thermal runaway process, where the batteries go into almost a short-circuit mode, producing a very toxic gas. Once it ignites, it burns extremely hot and takes a long time to burn through those batteries," Shoemaker said. Fires in traditional combustion engines -- whether in the engine compartment or the vehicle cabin -- are typically easier to extinguish. The fire behavior is intense, but it's usually easy to put out with minimal water and less radiant heat compared to an electric vehicle. One of the unique challenges of fighting EV fires is the significant amount of water required. An electric vehicle fire might require between 3,500 to 5,000 gallons of water, while a combustible motor fire typically only takes about 500 gallons. " The water runoff could impact storm drains, and in this scenario, we worked closely with the Aurora Water Department to ensure we contained any runoff," said Shoemaker. "We felt it was better to let this one burn, given the concerns about water runoff. There's no need to waste a $2,000 fire blanket on a car we could let burn." EV fires also pose serious risks to firefighters due to the toxic gases released from burning lithium-ion batteries, according to Shoemaker. "There are about 35 different gases that come off these vehicles, and they're incredibly toxic, not only to the environment but to firefighters working in close proximity," he explained. Aurora Fire has been proactive in its training efforts. AFR has a new policy in place where they park further away and approach these vehicles fully prepared, using full protective gear and air supply. They're also implementing a three-week program where all firefighters in the city will undergo a four-hour training session on how to extinguish electric vehicle fires and handle lithium-ion battery situations inside structures. They'll be training on everything from electric scooters to e-bikes inside buildings, ensuring firefighters are prepared for all types of lithium-ion battery incidents. For those driving electric vehicles, Shoemaker recommends caution: "These are powerful cars that accelerate quickly, so just drive with due diligence."
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Fluctuating weather can increase fire risk in Colorado
DENVER, CO (KDVR) — With the weather turning warm before the next round of snow, firefighters are sending out a warning: The dry conditions can increase your fire risk. A Home Gnome study called '2025's Most Vulnerable Cities for House Fires' places Thornton, Lakewood and Aurora among the nation's most vulnerable cities for house fires. Denver, Aurora fire crews battle 2 alarm fire sparked by faulty refrigeration unit Colorado's stretches of high temperatures followed by snow storms create conditions that can be prime for fire danger. 'An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure and so whatever people can do to, you know, just be safe and practice maintenance and preventable safety tips in their homes, then they're going to protect themselves and their family,' said Aurora Fire Department Spokesperson Dawn Small. The city of Aurora saw more than 300 structure fires in 2024, with 32 in January and 35 in March. Small said wildfires can be sparked by flying embers so homeowners should monitor any flammable items. 'Nothing that's potentially flammable or an ember catcher within five feet of the perimeter of your home,' said Small. Most house fires begin in the kitchen. Police vehicle responding to alcohol-involved crash hit by suspected DUI driver 'You think, 'stand by your pan' — don't leave that cooking unattended. In the bedroom which is the second most common place that we see fires in the home, 'close before you doze;' close the door when you're going to bed to prevent that fire from going and entering into that bedroom,' she said. It's also important to keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable. Aurora Fire told FOX31 that fatal residential fires are twice as likely to happen during the first months of the year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Aurora crews tackle 2 fires on same property
DENVER (KDVR) — Aurora crews responded to two fires on the same property on Wednesday night. According to the Aurora Fire Rescue, crews were called to a four-story multifamily residential building near the intersection of North Ursula Street and East 21st Avenue. The area is in the Fitzsimons neighborhood next to the Anschutz Medical Campus. Initially, crews were called about a small mulch fire. Aurora Fire Rescue said the fire was fully extinguished and crews cleared the call. Do you recognize these Centennial burglary suspects? Investigators need help However, about an hour later at 8:45 p.m., Aurora Fire said the building's alarm system detected smoke. When crews arrived the second time, they saw flames on the exterior of the building. Aurora Fire said the second floor of the building was cleared, and crews put out the flames within minutes. Following an initial investigation, firefighters learned the fire infiltrated the building's exterior walls and burned a 2-foot-by-4-foot section of the first-floor sprinkler room before it was controlled. The residents were able to return to their units and no injuries were reported. The second fire is still under investigation, and it is unclear if the two fires are related. Aurora Fire Rescue said the initial mulch fire may have been caused by a stray cigarette or other smoking device. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
