Last week, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced his support of the DFS Agency Legislation that was filed today. The legislation will authorize the State Fire Marshal’s office, which the CFO oversees, to create rules and regulations to prevent fires caused by lithium-ion batteries commonly found in electronic vehicles (EVs) such as scooters, hoverboards, golf carts, and battery-powered cars.
Patronis said, “Florida leads the way in crafting new solutions to new problems like the fire hazards associated with EVs. With the advent of lithium-ion batteries being used in battery powered scooters, golf carts, and cars, EV fires are a new phenomenon that our firefighters are battling every day. It is imperative that our state create policies and procedures around lithium-ion batteries to prevent potential disasters. During Hurricane Ian, we witnessed several occasions where EVs that had been flooded by saltwater and eventually caught fire. This is dangerous when considering that many of these vehicles are parked in garages or at apartment complexes where there is a risk of the entire complex catching fire. Thank you to Senator DiCeglie and Representative LaMarca for helping force a conversation to be had in the Legislature before the next hurricane season, and for filing this legislation to provide basic standards for EV safety in the state of Florida.”
JoAnne Rice, Director, Division of State Fire Marshal said, “Thank you to CFO Patronis for recognizing the new and unprecedented threat that Li Ion fires pose to the people of Florida and their property. This legislation will grant the state additional authority to act decisively and appropriately to Li Ion and EV fire incidents, and most importantly, help prevent them. Florida’s firefighters are put at increased when responding to these fires due to the explosive nature, extreme heat and toxic smoke that emulates from these fires. I am looking forward to helping advocate for this legislation and providing our firefighters and Floridians with the proper tools and information to prevent Li Ion Battery fires.”
Senator Nick DiCeglie said, “I was excited to file this legislation to ensure that Florida’s firefighters have the tools needed to fight back against dangerous fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. This commonsense bill will allow the State of Florida to respond to the new rise in battery related fires in a real and effective way. Thank you to CFO Patronis for backing this effort and for advocating on behalf of Florida’s fire professionals.”
Representative Chip LaMarca said, “As new technologies emerge, so must our laws and fire safety regulations. I appreciate CFO Patronis always working to ensure that Florida’s fire codes stay current and for putting our firefighters first. This new legislation is vital to reducing the threat of EV fires and keeping Floridians safe, as well as the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to fight these very hazardous fires.”
Author
