HVAC inlet control based on thermal event

In an exemplary embodiment, a system is provided that includes one or more sensors and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to at least facilitate obtaining sensor data as to a vehicle. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors, and is configured to at least facilitate obtaining sensor data from the one or more sensors; determining whether a thermal event occurs for the vehicle, based on the sensor data; and controlling an inlet for a climate control system for the vehicle based at least in part on whether the thermal event has occurred.