Why a Cow in Chicago Might Just Be the Key to Understanding Mercedes-Benz Fires in Korea
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 has spawned several theories about its origin, all centered around the O'Leary barn.
The most famous tale causation story involves Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicking over a lantern.
Another theory suggests a thief accidentally knocked over a lantern while stealing milk.
Years after the incident, Louis M. Cohn claimed responsibility, stating he accidentally started the fire while fleeing an illegal card game in the barn.
A more recent and unconventional theory proposes that a meteor shower ignited hay in the barn. Despite these varied explanations, the true cause remains a mystery.
What's certain is that the fire's rapid spread was facilitated by Chicago's predominantly wooden structures and drought conditions at the time
Brick construction would have prevented the Chicago Fire Disaster of 1871. In fact many cities throughout the USA adopted masonry ordinances to prevent this disaster from occurring in their city.
Similarly, Silver Batteries DO NOT CATCH ON FIRE
Silver Batteries Perform Better and are Way Safer than Lithium-ion batteries
Silver Batteries charge in half the time
Silver Batteries have double the range
Silver Batteries have double the lifespan
Silver Batteries are 40% lighter (or more)
Lithium-ion batteries Catch Fire from being over-charged, thermal runaway, or even humidity.
Moisture, particularly saltwater from storm surge during hurricanes, poses a significant risk to electric vehicles (EVs) and can lead to fires. Here's a summary of the key points:
Saltwater intrusion: When EVs are submerged in saltwater during hurricanes, their lithium-ion batteries can become compromised, leading to fires.
Thermal runaway: Saltwater exposure can trigger a process called thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, causing them to rapidly overheat and ignite.
Difficult to extinguish: EV fires caused by saltwater intrusion can burn for hours and require thousands of gallons of water to extinguish. They may also reignite after being put out initially.
Recent incidents:
After Hurricane Ian in 2022, at least six EVs caught fire in Florida due to saltwater exposure.
Following Hurricane Idalia in 2023, at least two EVs in Pinellas County, Florida, combusted after their batteries were exposed to saltwater.
Warnings and precautions: Officials in Florida have been warning EV owners to move their vehicles to higher ground before hurricanes hit to avoid potential fires.
Broader implications: These incidents have raised concerns about EV safety in areas prone to flooding and hurricanes, potentially affecting public perception of electric vehicles.
It's important to note that while these incidents are concerning, EV fires are still relatively rare compared to fires in gasoline-powered vehicles. However, the unique challenges they present in flood-prone areas warrant special attention and precautions
Mercedes-Benz EV Fire in Incheon, South Korea
On August 1, 2024, a fire broke out in an underground parking garage of an apartment building in Incheon, a city near Seoul. The blaze started with a Mercedes-Benz electric sedan and quickly spread throughout the area. This incident had significant consequences:
Damage: The fire damaged nearly 900 vehicles in the parking garage.
Injuries: 23 people suffered from smoke inhalation.
Firefighting effort: It took firefighters more than eight hours to extinguish the blaze.
Temperature: The fire reached temperatures exceeding 1,500 degrees Celsius (2,732 degrees Fahrenheit).
Public reaction: The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of electric vehicles in South Korea, potentially impacting the government's efforts to promote EV adoption.
Market impact: Following the fire, K Car, a popular platform for selling used cars, reported a nearly threefold increase in listings from electric vehicle owners looking to sell their cars.
Reforms happen with materials
Brick better and safer than wood construction
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 serves as a prime example of how a tragic event can lead to significant changes in product safety regulations and manufacturing processes.
This devastating fire, which destroyed much of the city, was largely attributed to the widespread use of wood in construction. In the aftermath, Chicago implemented strict building codes that favored brick and stone over wood. This shift not only changed the city's architectural landscape but also revolutionized construction practices nationwide.
The tragedy highlighted the dangers of wooden structures in urban areas, leading to a broader adoption of fire-resistant materials and improved building standards across the United States, ultimately enhancing public safety in cities.
Silver safer than Lithium ion batteries
Silver batteries represent a significant leap forward in energy storage technology, offering numerous advantages over their lithium-ion counterparts. These innovative power sources boast longer lifespans, potentially lasting up to 40% longer than traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Additionally, silver batteries are notably lighter, reducing the overall weight of devices and vehicles they power. One of their most impressive features is the drastically reduced charging time, with some models achieving full charge in mere minutes rather than hours.
However, the most crucial advantage lies in their safety profile. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which are prone to thermal runaway and potential fires, silver batteries exhibit superior thermal stability. This inherent safety is due to silver's excellent thermal conductivity and higher melting point, significantly reducing the risk of overheating and combustion, making them a far safer choice for various applications.