The WVU Fire Service Extension and the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), part of WVU’s Safety and Health Extension, recently participated in the 50th Annual International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) training event. The event was held at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

On May 22, WVU Fire Service Extension instructors Ralph McNemar and Matt Reed delivered the Electric Vehicle First Responder Safety Training – Fundamentals course to over 160 arson investigators from across the Carolinas and the nation. This specialized training emphasized critical safety protocols for first responders working with electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting best practices for investigating fires involving alternative fuel technologies.

Participants had the opportunity to examine two alternative fuel vehicles and observe a live demonstration showcasing the risks associated with damaged or compromised lithium-ion batteries. The training included both classroom instruction and hands-on interaction with a cutaway vehicle, allowing attendees to apply their learning in a practical context.

NC-IAAI Vice President Patrick Barker praised the session, stating, “Instructors from West Virginia University Fire Service Extension brought a wealth of knowledge to our attendees. The combination of classroom presentation and hands-on experience with the EV cutaway vehicle was both educational and invaluable.”

This and other first responder training courses are available to firefighters, police, and emergency personnel nationwide. For more information, contact fireservice@mail.wvu.edu or naftc@mail.wvu.edu