Fire Service Upskills as Belize Expands Electric Bus Network

Belize’s electric‑bus project is shifting from pilot to everyday reality, with Westline Bus Company operating three inter‑district e‑buses under a government‑backed initiative. At the same time, first responders are upskilling to handle the unique risks that come with lithium‑ion battery fires. Starting today in Belmopan, the National Fire Service is launching specialized training to tackle fires involving electric buses and other EVs, part of a push to keep commuters safe as e‑mobility expands. Fire crews from stations across the country are training hands‑on with a Dutch expert from Fire Isolator, the company behind those heavy‑duty fire‑suppression blankets designed for lithium‑ion battery fires. The UNDP is supporting the sessions and supplying the blankets. Six stations will be equipped with fire blankets, EV‑disabling tools, and thermal imagers to “see” heat and make faster, smarter decisions on scene. The initial investment, covering four stations, comes in at about thirty‑seven thousand US dollars, with more gear to follow. Today’s fire‑service training plugs a crucial gap: EV incidents can behave differently than conventional vehicle fires, and responders need tools and tactics to isolate, cool, and control battery‑related thermal runaway. Backing from UNDP and the EU under the broader e‑mobility program underscores that safety is part of the transition plan, not an afterthought. Partners include the Belize City Council, Westline, Caribbean Motors, and the Department of Transport. Buses are going electric; Belize’s fire teams are going prepared.