Portland Fire Unveils Revolutionary Water Lance: A Game-Changer in Fighting EV Fires

Innovative Tool Pierces Metal, Tackles Exploding Lithium-Ion Batteries

Portland Fire & Rescue has unveiled a cutting-edge weapon in the fight against electric vehicle (EV) fires: a high-pressure water lance capable of piercing through metal. This groundbreaking technology could transform how firefighters combat increasingly dangerous EV battery blazes, which burn hotter and longer than traditional gasoline fires.

Why Traditional Methods Fail with EV Fires

Unlike conventional car fires, lithium-ion battery fires present unique challenges:

• They can reignite hours or even days after initial extinguishment
• Reach temperatures exceeding 2,700°F
• Require thousands more gallons of water to suppress
• Release toxic chemical compounds when burning

How the Water Lance Revolutionizes Firefighting

The new system works by:

1. Puncturing directly into battery compartments through metal barriers
2. Delivering water or cooling agents precisely where needed
3. Dramatically reducing water waste compared to conventional methods
4. Minimizing risk of electric shock to first responders

Portland Fire Chief Sara Boone emphasized, "This isn't just new equipment - it's a complete paradigm shift in how we approach these hazardous incidents. The water lance gives our crews the ability to safely access and cool battery packs that would otherwise burn uncontrollably for hours."

National Implications as EV Adoption Grows

With EV sales projected to triple by 2027, fire departments nationwide are scrambling to adapt. Portland's early adoption of this technology positions them as pioneers in this critical public safety arena. The department plans to deploy the water lances across key stations serving major transportation corridors.

Training with the new system begins next month, with all frontline crews expected to be certified by year's end. Fire officials acknowledge this represents just one piece of the evolving EV fire response puzzle, but a potentially game-changing one at that.

What Do You Think?

• Should automakers be required to fund this type of specialized fire equipment as part of EV safety standards?
• Could this technology make firefighters reluctant to respond to EV incidents without proper equipment?
• Who should bear the cost - taxpayers, car companies, or insurance providers?
• Does this advancement make you more or less likely to consider an EV purchase?