Singapore Leads the Way in EV Fire Response: Is Bomba Ready?

Earlier today, social media in Singapore was abuzz with news of an EV fire along the BKE near the Dairy Farm Road exit. The incident involved a Bollore Bluecar, commonly used in Singapore’s popular BlueSG rental service.

The prompt and effective response by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) raises questions about Malaysia’s readiness to handle similar emergencies.

According to a post by the Singapore EV Enthusiasts (EVE) Group, SCDF firefighters swiftly deployed a vehicle fire blanket to isolate the fire and contain the smoke. They also used three water jets to cool the EV and a specialised puncture tool to penetrate the undercarriage battery housing, injecting water directly into the burning battery to extinguish the flames.

After the fire was put out, SCDF continued to cool down the vehicle to prevent re-ignition—a known risk with EV battery fires.

SCDF also reminded the public to carry a fire extinguisher in their vehicles for small fires. However, they cautioned against attempting to fight larger fires, especially those involving EV batteries. Instead, they advised retreating to a safe distance of at least 15 meters and calling the fire department, as trained firefighters are better equipped to handle such situations.

Malaysia’s Preparedness: A Cause for Concern

While Singapore’s firefighters demonstrated their advanced EV firefighting capabilities, Malaysia’s Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) seems to lag behind. From our understanding or lack-of Malaysian firefighters often lack even basic equipment like fire blankets. Although some members of the EV community have stepped in to donate these essential items, it is not enough.

By right, every Fire Engine needs to be equipped with this as a basic requirement.

With the Malaysian government aggressively promoting EV adoption, it is crucial to allocate a substantial budget to equip and train firefighters with modern EV firefighting tools. Essential gear should include fire blankets and more sophisticated equipment like Pumper Fire Fighting machines. Comprehensive training programs are also necessary to ensure that Malaysian firefighters are fully prepared to handle EV-related emergencies.

Time for Action

As EV adoption in Malaysia accelerates, the safety of both the public and firefighters must be a priority. Equipping Bomba with the right tools and training will not only protect lives but also instill greater confidence in Malaysia’s EV infrastructure. The time to act is now—before a major incident underscores the cost of inaction.