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Josephine County fleet mechanics credited after electric bus fire; board approves cash awards
Summary
County mechanics and operations staff pushed a burning electric bus away from charging equipment and aided firefighters during a thermal runaway event. The board voted 3-0 to award four employees $1,000 each and said the county will coordinate with FTA and the vehicle manufacturer on next steps.
Four Josephine County vehicle and operations employees helped move a charging electric bus away from a charging unit and assisted first responders after the bus experienced a battery thermal runaway event, county officials said Tuesday, actions the board described as preventing additional damage to airport charging infrastructure and adjacent vehicles.
County Human Resources Director Brandes told the Board of Commissioners that on the day of the incident mechanics arrived as a bus showed low-voltage readings, disconnected charging equipment and — with firefighting personnel — physically pushed the bus to clear it from nearby chargers and other vehicles. “I’m requesting $1,000,” Brandes said in presenting a proposed merit award for four fleet employees, describing rapid staff action that he said likely saved a charging unit worth roughly $50,000 and reduced broader damage.
The board unanimously approved the cash awards. Commissioner Smith moved to approve the award and Commissioner Barnett seconded; Commissioners Smith, Barnett and Blick voted “yes,” and the motion carried 3-0.
Why it matters: electric-vehicle battery fires can escalate quickly and require specialized firefighting tactics. County officials said they will coordinate with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the bus manufacturer and await any guidance from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) before returning similar vehicles to service.
County and staff details: Brandes and other staff presented video captured by on-board and external cameras showing smoke and then fire development, mechanics disconnecting power and, later, the arrival of regional fire agencies that applied large volumes of water. Staff estimated the fire response used tens of thousands of gallons of water and described the event as a “thermal runaway” of battery cells. Brandes and others said the bus that burned was the second vehicle from that manufacturer nationwide to have such an incident, and staff do not intend to return the sister vehicle to service pending manufacturer and safety-agency guidance.
Funding and follow-up: Brandes said the funding for the merit awards will come from the county’s FTA-related funds tied to transit operations. Board members discussed acknowledging the employees publicly and presenting awards onsite; they asked staff to coordinate a small ceremony and to follow up with a formal incident report and insurer/FTA coordination. County staff said they will document the investigation’s outcome and any recommendations for charging/maintenance changes.
Context and next steps: Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with the FTA and the vehicle manufacturer about salvage, insurance and whether any battery packs will be recovered. Staff said they did not expect the county to be liable for lost grant property funds and that further financial or salvage outcomes would be decided between FTA, the manufacturer and insurers.
Ending note: The board praised the quick action of mechanics and operations staff and scheduled a public acknowledgment and award presentation; staff will report back on any technical recommendations and regulator guidance before placing similar vehicles back into service.
