Singapore’s SCDF Demonstrates Readiness To Combat EV Fire, Is Bomba Ready?

Earlier this year, CariCarz.com reported on a feature in which SIRIM and Bomba published a fire blanket certification program. However, we did wonder why such a test was conducted using an ICE vehicle rather than an actual EV, which has a higher burning temperature and a bigger risk of thermal runaway than its ICE counterpart.

The EV Fire Blanket tested on a ICE vehicle in Malaysia

Following which we chanced upon a proper EV fire test with a fire blanket conducted by neighbouring Singapore, which provided proper insight into the matter. Certainly, this is something that local Malaysian authorities could in future use as a base when conducting tests to document things properly to build confidence among the general public, which indirectly would help governments push for greater EV adoption.

Singapore's Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX) had recently conducted an EV Fire test at the Home Team Tactical Centre to test SCDF's fire fighting protocols for EV fires and measuring the effectiveness of firefighting instruments utilised in such scenarios.

During the test, an EV was intentionally lit to simulate a fire scenario, resulting in thermal runaway—a state in which the EV battery overheats uncontrolled. Within 10 minutes, the battery began to emit popping sounds, indicating thermal runaway. Approximately two minutes later, the EV was entirely enveloped in flames, with temperatures reaching 600 degrees Celsius.

The initial approach by SCDF consisted of covering the EV with a fire blanket that could withstand temperatures up to 1,600°C. This blanket helped to contain the fire and prevent the spread of smoke, increasing visibility and allowing firemen to safely approach the vehicle. Water jets were then used to cool the EV, successfully lowering its temperature to roughly 300°C in three minutes.

Firefighters then used specialised equipment to puncture the EV's battery casing beneath the vehicle, allowing them to pump water directly into the blazing battery. This method doused the fire in roughly two minutes, with the hottest point on the EV cooling to less than 150°C. Once the temperature fell below 100°C, the fire cover was removed, and the team undertook a dampening down operation to prevent a re-ignition.

The entire operation from the time of ignition to containment took roughly 45 minutes.

According to Singaporean authorities, this rigorous fire test validated the effectiveness of the SCDF's firefighting techniques and equipment designed specifically for EV fires. Best of all all this details are well communicated to the Singaporean public.

However, here in Malaysia the general public is unaware of any such tests being conducted or the degree of equipment available in our local firefighting armoury to deal with such EV fires. Let us hope that Bomba and all relevant agencies can replicate how things are done in Singapore by keeping the general public aware about their capabilities and preparedness particularly when it comes to combating EV fires.