New Hampshire Fire Officials Warn Public About EV Batteries

In April of 2026, fire officials in New Hampshire issued warnings about the dangers of electric vehicle batteries. They seemed particularly concerned about the fires that these batteries can produce, noting that the infernos can be incredibly difficult to contain and extinguish. What should you do if you were injured in a New Hampshire EV accident? Is it possible to pursue compensation?

Fire Officials Say That EV Fires Often Continue With No Signs of Stopping 

In April of 2026, The New Hampshire Union Leader reported that fire officials in the Granite State had warned the public about the dangers of EV batteries. The report highlighted one incident in which a well-known comedian almost died after his electric vehicle crashed on the F.E. Everett Turnpike. By chance, a member of the Governor’s security detail was present and saved the man from his burning vehicle.

Fire officials noted that the vehicle simply refused to stop burning afterward. Even after the vehicle had been towed to a yard, it ignited a second time because of a chain reaction. Fire officials note that this phenomenon (known as a thermal runaway) is actually quite common for EVs. The only way to stop this particular vehicle from continuing to burn was to lift it into a pool of saltwater using a crane.

Officials say that cars of this type can actually still burn when submerged in saltwater. Sometimes, firefighters have to wait a full week before collecting the remains and disposing of them properly. Because EVs are relatively new, firefighters are forced to develop new strategies, such as digging ditches around burning EVs to prevent spreading fires.

One thing is clear: Even a fire truck with 1,000 gallons of water will not stop these fires from burning. Faced with this type of fire, the priority shifts to safely transporting the vehicle to a location where it can burn without sparking additional fires. While EVs are less likely to ignite compared to gas-powered vehicles, EV fires are hotter and more challenging to extinguish. They may also emit more dangerous fumes and chemicals compared to combustion engines.

Aside from electric cars, other electric vehicles are also bursting into flames at a stunning pace. In April of 2026, WMUR reported that several lithium-ion fires had rocked New Hampshire within the past few weeks, including an electric scooter fire that burned a Manchester apartment. These fires can also cause devastating, disfiguring burns.

Can a New Hampshire Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

If you were injured in an EV accident, you may be struggling with burn injuries, smoke inhalation, and various other medical issues. In this situation, it makes sense to discuss your legal options with an experienced New Hampshire car accident lawyer. Contact Manning Zimmerman & Oliveira PLLC at 603-624-7200 to continue this important discussion.

Sources: 

yahoo.com/news/articles/electric-vehicles-pose-challenges-crash-035900659.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAItPAW3VV2GLosJF2JSwh8NkHgmPxAvVm30rGIzXo-fek1GwPYghhqpdHOvIVRJIJnO2yMBPVMtPujC2fzc-27zBL1j2-CJeQwIimrreZ1ogiWP2ykdfUU3rLwbFDvaBjCxvIE794fKyAkDNA7mjjxpJ6DBi0uBa_530hjxPmS7E

wmur.com/article/nh-fires-lithium-ion-battery-malfunctions-04262026/71131849