• The EV battery is actively overheating, releasing smoke, or has caught fire.
• The fire may involve toxic fumes and require specialized suppression methods.
• The EV has been in a major accident with substantial damage to the battery or high-voltage systems.
• Significant leakage of battery fluids or exposed internal battery components.
• The EV has been submerged in water (i.e. flood or river) and presents a risk of electrical short circuits or environmental contamination.
• Evidence of toxic smoke, gas release, or a risk of explosion due to damaged battery cells.
These high-risk scenarios involve significant hazards that pose safety, environmental, or operational challenges, often requiring specialized equipment and training. In general, high risk means an active battery hazard such as fire, smoke, or high heat, evidence of significant structural damage to the vehicle, environmental contamination requiring hazmat response, or situations requiring evacuation or isolation of the area for safety.