WAYNE COUNTY, Mississippi (WDAM) – Electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming more common every year.
While some areas in the Pine Belt are trying to accommodate electric vehicle drivers by installing charging stations, others are planning an emergency solution.
“This time we purchased an electric vehicle fire blanket,” said Wayne County Fire Chief Al Harrison.
The first and only EV fire blanket in the district.
Harrison says the department has needed one for some time, and now it can help firefighters better control flames from an electric vehicle while saving the county tons of water.
“If you use just water, it can take 50,000 to 60,000 gallons of water to put out a fire,” Harrison said. “The blanket is designed to help with smothering and increase the safety of our people on the ground.”
The department was able to purchase the blanket thanks in part to a ten thousand dollar grant from Dixie Electric.
The company’s communications manager says the grant is awarded every year and explains why it was awarded to the fire department.
“Our volunteer fire departments in particular are an integral part of every community,” said Amanda Mills. “These people come in on a voluntary basis. These are men and women who sacrifice their time to protect us.”
“This is our way of giving back to our community and supporting them in this endeavor.”
There are currently fewer than 50 electric vehicles in the county, but the fire chief expects that number to steadily increase.
“Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular and we are trying to be prepared for that,” Harrison said.
Portions of the grant were also awarded to three other fire departments in the Pine Belt and to the Burn Foundation of America.
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