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Fire chief seeks grant to train crews on EV and lithium‑ion battery fires
Summary
The fire chief told the Public Safety committee the department will seek a $9,750 hazardous‑materials training grant to run three class days on lithium‑ion battery systems and EV fires; councilmembers supported applying and discussed timing and reimbursement rules.
The city’s Fire Chief told the Public Safety Committee on March 24 he will ask the council to authorize an application for a hazardous‑materials training grant from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to support training focused on lithium‑ion battery systems and electric vehicle fires.
The chief said the city has applied for this grant in prior years and plans to seek $9,750 to fund three consecutive class days, with each class accommodating up to 30 students so personnel can be trained while on duty. “This year… we are going to… seek this grant to get funds to hold a class on lithium ion battery systems and electric vehicle fires,” the chief said, adding the training is an NFPA‑recommended best practice but not a legal requirement.
The committee discussed reimbursement and timing. The chief explained the city typically pays upfront and is reimbursed; award amounts vary by year and depend on statewide demand. He noted the department has previously received the full amount some years and less in others and that, if it did not win the grant this year, the department would still provide hazardous‑materials training using other topics and instructors.
Members asked technical questions about risk and benefits, including whether the training affects ISO insurance ratings; the chief said training contributes to ISO scoring but he could not confirm the exact points. Councilmembers generally supported applying and debated whether to approve first‑ or second‑reading passage to meet filing timelines. The chief said the grant filing deadline is April 30 and requested authority to proceed with a second‑reading‑passage request to ensure time to complete administrative signatures.
No final appropriation was approved at the committee meeting; the chief said staff would return with appropriation language after the award amount is known.
