A ship carrying approximately 3,000 cars, including around 800 electric vehicles (EVs), was abandoned in the Pacific Ocean after a fire erupted on board. The blaze, originating from the deck where the EVs were stored, overwhelmed the crew’s firefighting efforts, making it impossible to contain. This incident highlights the significant risks associated with transporting large quantities of EVs, especially considering the potential for lithium-ion battery fires.
The decision to abandon the vessel was likely the safest course of action given the unpredictable nature of lithium-ion battery fires. Once a thermal runaway occurs, the chemical reaction generating flammable gases continues, posing an explosion risk even after initial firefighting attempts.… Continue reading
A large fire erupted Thursday at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Northern California, prompting the evacuation of approximately 1,500 people and the closure of a section of Highway 1. The blaze, still burning Friday morning, involved tens of thousands of lithium-ion batteries within the Vistra Energy facility, posing significant firefighting challenges. While contained to the plant, the incident prompted an emergency county meeting and school closures. An investigation into the cause of the fire, the third at the facility in recent years, is planned following its extinguishment.
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Ukraine’s twice-delayed minerals agreement with the U.S. may be strategically timed for a Trump administration announcement, potentially framing the deal—involving significant reserves of minerals like lithium—as an early achievement. This delay follows broader Ukrainian efforts to cultivate a relationship with President-elect Trump, including a last-minute meeting in Paris orchestrated by Ukrainian officials. The deal’s potential value is estimated at $11.5 trillion in reserves across 20 minerals. Senator Lindsey Graham has voiced support for a deal, suggesting mutual benefits for both countries.
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It took 50,000 gallons of water to put out a Tesla Semi fire in California, and the sheer amount of water used is staggering. As someone who is not an expert in fighting fires, I can’t help but wonder if there could have been a more efficient method to extinguish the blaze. Reports of batteries reigniting after a fire is put out highlight the complexities of dealing with lithium-ion battery fires.
The fact that most fire engines carry only 500 gallons of water makes the 50,000 gallons used in this instance seem even more excessive. The thought of using such a vast amount of water to combat a single fire raises concerns about water conservation, especially in a state like California that frequently faces water shortages.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker