Fire Service Trains for Electric Vehicle and Bus Fire Emergencies

The National Fire Service of Belize has begun specialized training aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to respond safely and effectively to fires involving electric buses and other electric vehicles, as Belize continues its transition toward e-mobility.  In a press release issued yesterday, the Ministry of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management said the training brings together firefighters from stations across the country, alongside key stakeholders involved in Belize’s electric vehicle rollout. These include the Belize City Council, Westline, Caribbean Motors, and the Department of Transport.  Leading the hands-on sessions is Dirk Stoelhorst of Fire Isolator, a Netherlands-based company that manufactures specialized fire-suppression blankets designed for high-intensity fires, particularly those involving lithium-ion batteries. His visit forms part of a consultancy supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).  As part of the initiative, six fire stations nationwide will receive fire-isolator blankets, electric-vehicle disabling equipment, and thermal imagers. The thermal imagers allow firefighters to detect and measure heat, improving situational awareness and response efficiency during complex fire incidents. The Ministry estimates that the equipment and training for the initial four stations represents an investment of approximately 74 thousand Belize dollars, with additional resources to be rolled out to the remaining stations.  Officials say the initiative is closely tied to Belize’s electric bus pilot project, with the goal of ensuring commuter safety while preparing emergency responders to manage the unique risks associated with electric vehicles. Fires involving lithium-ion batteries can burn at extremely high temperatures and pose challenges not typically encountered in conventional vehicle fires.  Supporters of the programme say the training reflects forward planning as Belize modernizes its transportation sector and adopts new technologies. At the same time, some observers note that as electric vehicles become more common, continued investment will be required to ensure all fire stations are fully equipped and trained to respond to such incidents nationwide.