Stay Safe on the Road: How a Car Fire Blanket Could Have Prevented BKE EV Blaze

On 17 February 2025, a BlueSG electric vehicle ignited along Singapore’s Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) at around 9:20 pm. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded swiftly by deploying a **vehicle fire blanket**, effectively isolating smoke and suppressing flames while preventing reignition—a critical risk in lithium-ion EV fires.

Why a Vehicle Fire Blanket Is a Smart Choice for EV Fires

• Rapid Containment: Smothers flames instantly by cutting off oxygen.
• Smoke Suppression: Reduces toxic smoke and improves visibility for bystanders and responders.
• Minimizes Reignition Risk: Vital for EV fires, which may flare up again if not fully contained.
• Effortless to Use: Just unfold and drape over the fire—no complex training required.

Lessons Learned from the BKE Incident

The SCDF’s use of a fire blanket gave responders crucial time to douse the fire with water directly into the battery compartment—an effective strategy for suppressing thermal runaway. Without the blanket, flames and smoke could have spread rapidly, putting the driver and others at heightened risk.

Fire Blanket vs. Traditional Extinguisher

While fire extinguishers remain useful—particularly for engine or oil fires—they present challenges in EV scenarios:

• Short discharge distance and potential battery short-circuiting
• Chemical residue risk
• Complex operation under stress

A **fire blanket**, on the other hand, is compact, reusable, and clean—making it a better fit for swift, hands-on fire suppression.

Safety Tip for All Drivers

• Store a car fire blanket in your vehicle—under a seat or in the trunk.
• Use it only if it’s safe—keep at least 15 m distance and call emergency services (e.g., 995 in Singapore).
• Swap it out if it’s damaged after use.