A New Perspective on EV Fire Safety
Josephine Community Transit (JCT) has unveiled an unprecedented video documenting the rapid escalation of a fire that consumed an electric bus.
The video, compiled from multiple sources, provides a real-time timeline of the incident, offering researchers and emergency responders a rare look into the mechanics of a runaway thermal event.
A runaway thermal event occurs when a battery cell experiences a short circuit or damage, leading to an uncontrollable discharge of energy.
The newly released footage captures this phenomenon as it unfolds, serving as an invaluable resource for transit agencies and fire departments nationwide.
Incident Overview: What Happened?
- Date & Location: January 8, Josephine County Public Works charging area
- Vehicle Type: 35-foot electric bus
- Triggering Event: Operator detected flames emerging from the vehicle’s roof
- Immediate Actions:
- Operator alerted emergency services
- Other transit staff relocated nearby vehicles to prevent further damage
- Grants Pass Fire Department responded swiftly
- Outcome: No injuries reported, but the bus was completely destroyed
Investigations Underway
Currently, three separate investigations are being conducted by:
- The county’s insurance carrier – Assessing financial implications and policy considerations
- The vehicle manufacturer – Examining potential design or manufacturing flaws
- County maintenance experts – Evaluating procedural and safety measures
These independent inquiries will eventually merge into a final report aimed at identifying the root cause and preventing future incidents.
An Educational Tool for Transit Agencies
“This video was a purposeful effort to capture and examine this incident, as there is no real-world recorded experience of anyone dealing with an EV fire of this size,”
said Scott Chancey, JCT program supervisor.
“There have been five fires like this nationwide, and there isn’t anything like this produced from anyone.”
The video not only outlines the event itself but also details JCT’s safety measures, infrastructure planning, and emergency response protocols. Viewers gain insight into:
- Charging station placement and design to mitigate fire risks
- Operational safety decisions taken by JCT staff
- Fire department response strategies specific to EV battery fires
What’s Next for EV Safety in Oregon?
JCT’s initiative in releasing this footage underscores the need for continued advancements in EV fire preparedness.
The transit agency hopes this real-world case study will inform future policy, emergency response strategies, and vehicle safety enhancements.
In Conclusion
As electric buses become more prevalent across Oregon, transit agencies and emergency responders must collaborate to develop best practices for managing EV-related fire risks.
The insights gained from JCT’s documentation will play a pivotal role in shaping future safety protocols, ensuring that public transportation remains both sustainable and secure.
Stay tuned for the final report’s release, which will provide in-depth findings and recommendations for transit operators nationwide.
Sources: Josephine County, Oregon.