Wakefield Fire Department Responds to Crash, Electric Vehicle Fire on Interstate 95

Provisional Fire Chief Tom Purcell reports that the Wakefield (MA) Fire Department and mutual aid responded to a single-vehicle MVA and electric vehicle fire on Interstate 95 on January 19, 2023,at about 2247. Upon arrival, companies, led by Captain John Walsh, found a Tesla wedged into the guardrail in the right breakdown lane. The 38-year-old driver of the vehicle was RMA. As the vehicle was removed, the guardrail pieced the undercarriage, causing the lithium-ion batteries to go into a thermal runaway. The vehicle became fully involved. Afull box alarm assignment was ordered per Shift Command, and a Lynnfield engine company was called to the scene as well. Wakefield Engine 1 and Ladder 1 initiated suppression operations, applying copious amounts of water onto the vehicle. Multiple surrounding mutual aid communities responded and created a water shuttle. Engines from Melrose, Stoneham, Reading, Lynnfield as well as a Middleton water tanker assisted. Firefighters had three 1-3/4 inch handlines as well as a blitz gun in operation to cool the battery compartment. The fire was declared under control and fully extinguished after about 2 1/2 hours. More than 20,000 gallons of water were used. ADepartment of Fire Services HazMat Team responded and the Department of Environmental Protection was notified. The vehicle was removed from the scene after consulting with the HazMat Unit.