01/19
Fires involving lithium-ion batteries in motorsports are thankfully rare, but when they go into thermal runaway, they need a specialist response.
Red Rose Fire Solutions have provided cover the E1 Electric Powerboat Series in Jeddah, and are proud to be the fire safety provider for the track, pits and paddock for the Formula E London E-Prix, where we have developed specific techniques for fighting these dangerous fires.
We are also proud to be the trusted fire cover provider for the McLaren Extreme E racing team, where our off-road capability combined with our specialist knowledge and skills with EVs makes us unrivalled in this specialist field of motorsport safety.
With the future move to hydrogen fuel cell technology, Red Rose Fire Solutions are also developing techniques to be at the forefront of firefighting and rescue with this emerging technology.
There is growing evidence for the effectiveness of high pressure cutting extinguisher technology in halting thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries in EVs. This equipment uses a cutting abrasive mixed with high pressure water to pierce the battery casing, allowing water to be injected directly into the battery to cool the cells and stop the chemical chain reaction.
Red Rose Fire Solutions are currently developing a high pressure cutting lance which works in conjunction with all of our firefighting systems. Keep an eye on our social media channels for the latest developments!
With voltages of over 900 volts, extrication from electric vehicles poses a very real hazard to rescuers.
Working with the FIA E-Safety Delegate for Formula E, as well as battery manufacturers and electrical engineers, our crews are highly trained in high-voltage extrication techniques. Using bespoke insulating materials and specialist PPE, gas monitors and thermal imaging cameras, our techniques ensure the safety of responders and drivers in the event of a high-voltage incident on or off track.
Our crews have a vast amount of real world rescue experience, ensuring a professional response to any incident. Our director is accredited by the FIA to perform the role of Rescue Chief across all FIA Championships, and we are proud to have provided this function to the Formula E London E-Prix since the inception of the role.
Our vehicles are equipped with a full range of medical and rescue equipment to Motorsport UK standards for a 'Technical Rescue Unit', meaning we are fully equipped to provide extrication and rescue services to motorsport events of all kinds.
Fires involving high-performance race cars of all varieties can be particularly volatile and dangerous. Many vehicles run on highly flammable alcohol-based fuels which require specific firefighting media and techniques to tackle safely.
Our crews are equipped with full firefighting PPE and specialist firefighting systems to achieve a rapid knock-down of these volatile fires. Appliances can be based at strategic locations on track, or at high risk areas such as the pit lane, paddock or refuelling area to provide an immediate response to any fire situation - a strategy we implement at CarFest to cover the diverse risk on site.
In addition to the motorsport events already mentioned, Red Rose Fire Solutions provided fire cover to the track and paddock for the 2024 FIA World Karting Championships.
Red Rose Fire Solutions can offer bespoke training for motorsport marshals, rescue crews and medical staff, as well as drivers, pit crew and mechanics. Our real-world experience in the motorsports industry allows us to tailor training to the needs of the responder and hazards they will face.
We are pleased to provide the live fire training for the marshals at Brands Hatch, offering live fire training with extinguishers, as well as simulating various scenarios on a real vehicle, all under the close supervision of our experienced instructors.
Professional Fire and Rescue Services for Events, Motorsports and Industry