Electric School Bus Fire in Los Angeles Highlights Emerging Safety Challenges in Modern School Transportation

Published: December 2025, By

: Kevin Doyle, Kevin Doyle Consulting

An electric school bus operated by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) caught fire on a Los Angeles street Wednesday morning, raising important questions about emerging vehicle technologies and school safety protocols.

According to authorities, the bus — powered by lithium-ion batteries — erupted in flames just after 9:20 a.m. under the 210 Freeway overpass near Foothill Boulevard in Sunland. Thankfully, no students were aboard at the time, though the driver was transported to a local hospital with minor smoke inhalation injuries. CBS News

🚒 Fire Response and Hazards

Aerial footage captured a large plume of smoke, prompting the closure of the Osborne Street off-ramp as fire crews worked to contain the blaze. Responders reportedly maintained distance while tackling the fire — a response consistent with current guidance on lithium-ion vehicle fires, which can burn longer and differently than conventional fuel fires. CBS News

Experts note that lithium-ion fires can require extended burnout periods and specialized tactics for overhaul and cooling, underscoring that electric vehicle technologies introduce new operational demands for emergency responders.

📊 Safety Protocols Under Review

In a statement following the incident, LAUSD confirmed that transportation staff are reviewing dashboard warning indicators and emergency protocols to ensure consistent, rapid responses. Drivers have been reminded to:

• Pull over safely,

• Evacuate students and staff,

• Notify dispatch and first responders immediately. CBS News

No cause has been officially released yet, and investigations are ongoing. However, this incident serves as a reminder that as school districts adopt electrification and other advanced technologies, Duty of Care strategies—including training, emergency planning, and risk assessment—must evolve accordingly.

📌 Why This Matters for School Safety Leaders

• Electric school buses are increasingly adopted for environmental and operational reasons.

• Lithium-ion battery incidents behave differently from traditional fires.

• Emergency response plans must reflect vehicle technology and hazard profiles.

At Kevin Doyle Consulting, we support education leaders with evidence-driven safety frameworks that align transportation decisions with Duty of Care responsibilities — ensuring innovations never compromise student well-being.

Contact Kevin@KevinDoyleConsulting.Com to set up a training session