Montreal School Bus Fire Sparks Safety Concerns, Students Safe

A school bus fire occurred earlier this week near Montreal, prompting the immediate evacuation of students without any reported injuries. The incident involved a Lion-C electric school bus, which has since led to the inspection of the entire fleet of these vehicles, numbering around 1,200.

Montreal’s fire department responded quickly to the scene. Alain Laflamme, section chief at the department, confirmed that the fire originated from the bus’s diesel-fired heating system, rather than its electric powertrain. This crucial detail clarifies that the source of the blaze was not linked to the electric vehicle technology itself.

Inspection and Safety Measures Underway

In light of the incident, the City of Montreal has taken proactive measures by recalling all Lion-C electric school buses for inspection. These buses are equipped with an 80,000 BTU heater, which, according to documents, is sourced from common brands. While specific details about the heater involved in this incident remain unclear, the name Valeo has been associated with similar heating systems in other contexts.

The heating system, designed to operate with a fuel tank holding 25 gallons (95 litres) of diesel, has been involved in previous fire-related incidents. The manufacturer’s specifications indicate that there is an emergency stop button for the heating system located near the driver’s left leg, although it is unknown if this was activated during the fire.

Misconceptions About Electric Vehicles

Despite the clarifications surrounding the incident, public reaction has included significant criticism aimed at electric vehicles. Many commentators have expressed concerns over the safety of electric buses, despite evidence indicating that the fire’s origin was due to the heating system, not the electric components. According to Laflamme, the fire was “easily” extinguished, emphasizing the effectiveness of emergency response.

It is important to note that a fire of this nature could occur in any bus, regardless of whether it is electric or powered by traditional internal combustion engines. A conventional school bus can carry up to four times the amount of flammable liquid compared to the diesel used in the Lion-C’s heating system.

The Lion-C buses are designed for performance, featuring a top speed of 95 km/h and a range of approximately 250 kilometres on a single charge of their 210-kWh battery. These buses produce 489 horsepower and 2,100 lb-ft of torque, showcasing their capability for transporting students safely and efficiently.

As the city undertakes inspections, it remains crucial for the public to differentiate between the technology of electric vehicles and isolated incidents related to auxiliary systems. The situation underscores the need for continued dialogue on the safety of all bus types, ensuring that student transportation remains secure.