Vehicle Fire - Hyundai SANTAFE Plug-in hybrid Emergency Response Manual

Emergency procedures

Vehicle Fire

After Initial Emergency Response Procedures have been applied, Firefighting Procedures may
begin. Hyundai recommends that each response team follow their own department's standard
operating procedures for fighting vehicle fires in combination with the SANTAFE Hybrid specific
details that are covered in this section.
Firefighting Operations
If the high-voltage battery pack is either involved in or at risk of being involved in a fire in a
SANTAFE Hybrid, strict cautions must be taken while conducting firefighting operations due to
following reasons:
• Lithium-ion Polymer batteries contain gel electrolyte that can vent, ignite, and produce sparks
when subjected to temperatures above 300°F.
• May burn rapidly with a flare-burning effect.
• Even after the high-voltage battery fire appears to have been extinguished, renewed or delayed
fire can occur.
- Use a thermal imaging camera to ensure the high voltage battery is completely cooled before
leaving the incident.
- Always advise second responders that there is a risk of the battery re-igniting.
- Fire, submersion or a collision that has compromised the high voltage battery, always store it
in an open area with no exposures within 50 feet.
• A burning battery could release hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide
gasses. Use NIOSH/MSHA approved full-face self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with
full protective gear.
Even if the high-voltage battery pack is not directly involved in a vehicle fire, approach the vehicle
very carefully.
Extinguishers
• Small fires that high voltage battery is not involved : Extinguish fires using a ABC extinguisher
for an electric fire.
• Fires that the high voltage battery is involved, or the high voltage battery is heating : Extinguish
fires using large and sustained amount of water to cool the high voltage battery. Do not
extinguish fire with a small amount of water. Firefighters should not hesitate to pour large
amounts of water on the vehicle.
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