Firefighting; High Voltage Battery - Fire Damage - Tesla 2012 Model S Emergency Response Manual

FIREFIGHTING

Extinguish small fires, that do not involve the high voltage battery, using a
CO or ABC extinguisher.
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During overhaul, do not make contact with any high voltage component.
Always use insulated tools for overhaul.
Stored gas inflation cylinders, gas struts, and other components
can BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) in extreme
temperatures. Perform an adequate "knock down" on the fire before
entering the incident's "hot zone."
If the high voltage battery becomes involved in fire or is bent, twisted,
damaged, or breached in any way, or if you suspect that the battery is
heating, use large amounts of water to cool the battery. DO NOT extinguish
fire with a small amount of water. Always establish or request an additional
water supply.
Battery fires can take up to 24 hours to fully extinguish. Consider allowing
the vehicle to burn while protecting exposures.
Use a thermal imaging camera to ensure the high voltage battery is
completely cooled before leaving the incident. If a thermal imaging camera
is not available, you must monitor the battery for re-ignition. Smoke
indicates that the battery is still heating. Do not release the vehicle to
second responders until there has been no sign of smoke from the battery
for at least one hour.
Always advise second responders (law enforcement, tow personnel) that
there is a risk of the battery re-igniting. After a Model S has been involved
in a submersion, fire, or a collision that has compromised the high voltage
battery, always store it in an open area with no exposures within 50 feet.
WARNING: When fire is involved, consider the entire vehicle energized and DO NOT TOUCH any part of the vehicle. Always wear full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including SCBA
(Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus).
WARNING: Regardless of the disabling procedure you use, ALWAYS ASSUME THAT ALL HIGH VOLTAGE COMPONENTS ARE ENERGIZED! Cutting, crushing or touching high voltage
components can result in serious injury or death.

HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY - FIRE DAMAGE

A burning or heating battery releases toxic vapors. These vapors include
H SO , oxides of carbon, nickel, aluminum, lithium, copper, and cobalt.
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Responders should wear full PPE, including SCBA, and take appropriate
measures to protect civilians downwind from the incident. Use fog streams
or PPV (Positive Pressure Ventilation) fans to direct vapors.
The high voltage battery consists of lithium-ion cells. These are considered
dry cell batteries. If damaged, only a small amount of battery fluid can leak.
Lithium-ion battery fluid is clear in color.
The high voltage battery, the drive unit, the charge controllers, and the
DC-DC converter are liquid cooled with typical glycol-based coolant. If
damaged, blue fluid can leak out of the battery.
A damaged high voltage battery can cause rapid heating of the battery
cells. If you notice smoke coming from the battery area, assume the
battery is heating and take appropriate action as described under the
heading "FIREFIGHTING" on this page.
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