In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the challenges faced by firefighters in New Carlisle, Indiana, as they prepare for the construction of a large battery storage facility. A key concern highlighted was the absence of updated fire codes in Indiana specifically addressing battery storage and electric vehicles (EVs). The last update to the state's fire codes occurred in 2019, and there are currently no regulations governing the safety protocols for such facilities.

The meeting revealed that Indiana's fire codes are based on national standards, which are subject to amendments proposed by local agencies and fire services. However, the ongoing process of rewriting these codes has yet to yield specific guidelines for battery storage, leaving local firefighters to navigate safety concerns without clear regulations. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855 is referenced as a guideline, but its implementation remains inconsistent.

Participants expressed frustration over the lack of established safety measures, with one firefighter noting that the New Carlisle team is \"winging it\" as they develop safety protocols on the fly. This situation raises significant concerns about public safety and the well-being of first responders.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the broader implications of electric vehicle fires, with experts advising that substantial amounts of water—up to 15,000 gallons—may be necessary to combat such incidents, underscoring the unique challenges posed by EV-related emergencies.

As the state moves forward with the development of battery storage facilities, the urgency for updated fire codes and comprehensive safety regulations becomes increasingly critical to ensure the safety of both the community and emergency responders.