As Halifax shifts toward a greener future, fire officials say they’re preparing for new and evolving risks tied to electric vehicles, particularly the municipality’s growing fleet of electric buses. More than 50 electric buses are on order as part of the city’s transition to an electric grid. While the shift is expected to reduce emissions, firefighters say it comes with new hazards. Rob Hebb, a deputy chief with Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, says lithium-ion batteries, which power electric buses, can pose significant challenges when they catch fire. “We’re talking about a calculator versus a mainframe computer when you compare e-bikes to electric buses,” Hebb said. “If one catches fire, it’s a spectacular event. The heat, the energy, the volume — it’s intense.” Unlike traditional vehicle fires, which can often be extinguished quickly, Hebb says fires involving large-format batteries may burn hotter and longer, requiring a different approach. “It can take tens of thousands of gallons of water to put out,” he said. “Sometimes, our tactic is to let it burn and just protect what’s around it.” Despite those risks, Hebb says Halifax Transit has been proactive in collaborating with emergency services. The buses are equipped with battery management systems, heat sensors, and emergency shutdown features. “We’ve worked closely with Halifax Transit,” Hebb said. “From high-temperature alarms to evacuation plans, the buses are designed with layers of safety. And so far, they’ve proven reliable.” Hebb emphasizes that battery fires remain rare, but as the number of electric vehicles increases, so does the importance of training and awareness. “We’re not trying to sound alarmist,” he said. “We just want to be ready and make sure the public understands how different these fires can be.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
