Breaking news of exploding e-bikes, vapes and laptops have citizens concerned. By the law of averages, these things are bound to happen. If you are anywhere nearby when this does, then we recommend vacating the space and calling the fire department. They will know how professionals extinguish battery fires far better than us, although we will still have to clean up the mess.
So How Do Responders Extinguish Battery Fires?
First responders from fire departments understand that lithium-ion products in consumer devices do not actually contain lithium metal. Instead, they have lithium and other salts dissolved in liquids. Knowing how professionals extinguish battery fires helps firefighters select the right equipment from their kit as follows:
- Class D dry foam fire extinguishers are unsuitable because they are for combustible metals.
- Class B dry chemical fire extinguishers are appropriate because they extinguish burning liquids.
- Large volumes of water are more suitable for large fires, because they cool the heat and stop the spread.
Home and Workplace Safety Prevent Battery Accidents
Resources Impact Fire Services recommends regular family, and employee refreshers to help prevent fires, injuries and even deaths. Here’s a checklist to help guide these conversations:
- Recycle batteries responsibly in terms of federal, state and local guidelines.
- Study fire extinguisher instructions so you know what do if you have a battery fire.
- Batteries are not all the same. Make sure you choose the right battery for each application.
- Ensure battery charging cords match the requirements of the device. Do not substitute them.
- Avoid opening new batteries prematurely, because their packaging prevents short-circuiting.
- Store new and used batteries at normal room temperature to prevent over-heating.
- Never leave batteries in direct sunlight, especially in vehicles with closed windows.
- Immediately remove a device or battery from its charger when it has sufficient power.
- Charge a battery or device on a smooth, level surface so that air can circulate.
Remember to purchase batteries from suppliers you can trust. Always inspect goods for damage before using them, because you never know until you look.
More Information
How to Extinguish Lithium Battery Fires
