Protecting Lithium-ion Buses and Depots

As more cities transition to lithium-ion powered bus fleets, transit authorities, safety managers, and fire departments are having to figure out how to contend with a different and potentially much more complicated hazard than the diesel-powered buses they replaced. There are still many safety gaps and unknowns. How do electric bus fires and related hazards compare to those of traditional buses or even the typical electric vehicle? What design retrofits and new mitigation and protection strategies are needed at bus depots? What should responders know? Jesse chats with two researchers from Energy Safety Response Group who were involved in an extensive new Fire Protection Research Foundation project that tries to answer some of those questions. The interview was recorded live at the 2026 NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

Links:

Read more about the Fire Protection Research Project, "Lithium-ion battery Transit Bus Fire Prevention and Risk Management."

See the various trainings and resources NFPA offers for responding to and preparing for electric vehicle incidents.

Fire Prevention Week 2026 (October 4–10) is focused on consumer lithium-ion products and safe charging practices. For resources, toolkits, and educational materials, visit fpw.org.

Visit IEM, our sponsor for this episode of the NFPA Podcast!