A new firefighting tool, the Poseidon nozzle, co-invented by Naperville firefighter Danny Puknaitis, is rapidly gaining traction among first responders globally for its effectiveness in combating the unique challenges posed by electric vehicle (EV) battery fires. As the global electric vehicle fleet expands, the industry faces increasing concerns regarding the thermal runaway events associated with lithium-ion batteries, which can result in fires burning at temperatures between 1,000 and 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit and lasting for 45 minutes to over an hour and a half.

Traditional firefighting methods often prove inadequate against EV battery fires because the batteries, typically located in the vehicle's undercarriage, can generate their own oxygen supply during combustion, making them exceptionally difficult to extinguish. This self-sustaining nature and the inaccessible location necessitate a specialized approach. Puknaitis and his partner developed the Poseidon nozzle over four years to directly address these issues. The device is designed to be deployed rapidly beneath the vehicle, delivering a powerful flow of 420 gallons of water per minute directly to the battery compartment.

This targeted application allows firefighters to cool the battery pack effectively and efficiently, circumventing the limitations of conventional hoses that struggle to reach the fire's source. "Before, you would be going in with a fire hose, trying to cool down the compartment fire, but what you're not actually getting is the undercarriage of this car," Puknaitis explained. "You throw this nozzle under and it takes seconds to deploy."

Naperville Fire Deputy Chief Phil Giannattasio emphasized the critical need for such innovations, stating, "When this tool became available to us, we knew we needed to act and work with something to help us combat these fires, better be able to protect our citizens and our property." The Naperville Fire Department has already equipped itself with three Poseidon nozzles, anticipating the inevitability of EV fire incidents.

The adoption of the Poseidon nozzle extends beyond local departments, with fire services across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Israel, and the United Kingdom integrating the technology into their emergency response protocols. This widespread acceptance underscores the urgent global demand for specialized tools that can mitigate the elevated risks associated with high-voltage battery systems in electric vehicles, ensuring both public safety and the protection of property in an increasingly electrified transportation landscape.