Fires involving electric vehicles in the Republic of Belarus: statistical analysis, development features and extinguishing methods

Purpose. To conduct a comprehensive analysis of fires involving battery electric vehicles (BEV) in the Republic of Belarus during the period 2021–2025, as well as to assess their development features and firefighting methods. Methods. Statistical analysis of data on the electric vehicle (EV) fleet for the period 2022–2024 and on fires involving BEVs for 2021–2025, including preliminary data for 2025; comparative analysis of the effectiveness of existing methods for extinguishing high-voltage lithium-ion traction battery packs (traction batteries). Findings. An exponential growth of the EV fleet in the Republic of Belarus was identified for the period 2022–2024. The dominant causes of fires were determined, the key one being thermal runaway in lithium-ion traction batteries, mainly triggered by short circuits resulting from mechanical damage or manufacturing defects. The low efficiency of extinguishing (cooling) traction batteries with conventional fire hoses was established. The necessity of applying specialized tactics and technical means for extinguishing traction batteries was revealed, such as piercing nozzles, high-voltage containers, fire blankets, and others. Application field of research. The results of the study are intended for the Ministry for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus, EV manufacturers, insurance companies, as well as for the development of regulatory legal acts in the field of EV fire safety.