Vehicle Fire - Hyundai Sonata 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 Sonata Plug-in 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
Sonata Plug-in 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.
• 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
To extinguish a small high-voltage battery fire, the following techniques can be used:
• Dry chemical
• CO₂
• Large amounts of water
• Regular foam
For a large high-voltage battery fire, use these types of extinguishing methods:
• Large amounts of water
• Fog
• Regular foam
Once disabled, there is no risk of electric shock from touching the car's body of framework;
therefore, firefighters should not hesitate to pour large amounts of water on the vehicle.
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