Ridgewood Fire Department Hosts Electric Vehicle Safety Training for First Responders

photos courtesy of Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ , as electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly common on our roads, the Ridgewood Fire Department took a proactive step to ensure local first responders are prepared. The department recently hosted a comprehensive two-part Electric Vehicle First Responder Awareness Course designed to enhance emergency response capabilities for incidents involving hybrid and electric vehicles.

???? Course Overview: Classroom + Hands-On Demonstration

The training, sponsored by General Motors, was delivered in two parts:

???? Part One: Classroom Training

Firefighters received an overview of hybrid and electric vehicle systems, focusing on:

• How to identify EVs and hybrids

• Understanding key safety differences from internal combustion engine vehicles

• Manufacturer-specific hazard information

• Accessing emergency response guides and tools

????️ Part Two: Live Demonstrations

Thanks to volunteers from the New Jersey Electric Vehicle Association (NJEVA), participants got hands-on experience with various EVs. This interactive segment helped solidify the theories discussed in class and provided real-world context.

Firefighters from Ridgewood and nearby departments worked together, practicing safe intervention techniques under different emergency scenarios.

???? Why This Matters

With the rising number of electric vehicles on the roads, understanding the unique risks and response protocols is essential for first responders. Unlike traditional vehicles, EVs present hazards such as:

• High-voltage battery systems

• Hidden power sources

• Thermal runaway risks during accidents or fires

The course included 4 detailed modules with scenarios, resources, and knowledge checks, culminating in a final, scenario-based exam. Participants were tested on:

• Accurate vehicle identification

• Recognizing hazard zones

• Choosing the right tactics for safe response

This critical training ensures that Ridgewood’s firefighters – and their partners in neighboring towns – are better equipped to protect the public safely and efficiently in EV-related incidents.

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