Vehicle Fire

Firefighting:

After Initial Emergency Response Procedures have been applied, Firefighting Procedures may begin. Hyundai recommends that each response team follow their own department standard operating procedures for fighting vehicle fires in combination with the Sonata Hybrid specific details that are covered in this section.

Firefighting Operations

If the high-voltage battery pack is either involved in or at risk of being involved in a fire in a Sonata Hybrid, strict cautions must be taken while conducting firefighting operations because of the following reasons:

- Lithium-ion Polymer batteries contain gel electrolyte that can vent, ignite, and produce sparks when subjected to temperatures above 300�F.

- May burn rapidly with a flare-burning effect.

- A burning battery could release hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide gasses. Use NIOSH/MSHA approved full-face self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full protective gear.

Even if the high-voltage battery pack is not directly involved in a vehicle fire, approach the vehicle very carefully.

Extinguishers

To extinguish a small high-voltage battery fire, the following techniques can be used:

- Dry chemical
- CO2
- Large amounts of water
- Regular foam

For a large high-voltage battery fire, use these types of extinguishing methods:

- Large amounts of water
- Fog
- Regular foam

Placing Water on High-voltage Electricity

When approaching a vehicle fire on a Sonata Hybrid, firefighters should not hesitate to extinguish the fire with water. The vehicle�s high-voltage electrical system is well insulated and unlike the 12V electrical system, it is not part of the vehicle�s chassis.