GM donates fire blankets to Columbia Fire and Rescue

Columbia Fire and Rescue has partnered with General Motors to ensure firefighters can safely handle incidents involving electric and hybrid vehicles. The automaker will donate five specialized containment blankets used for EV fires to the department, which help smother EV fires that are generally resistant to water. The blankets will be primarily stored at Columbia Fire Station No. 5, which is located closest to the GM plant and Ultium electric battery facility. GM is also partnering with the department to provide training for dealing with EV fires. The blankets are valued at around $7,250.