Lithium-ion batteries are generally safe if manufactured and used correctly. Although with the current volume in use, there will inevitably be a few rogues. Failure is bound to happen occasionally, and the emotional and financial impact can linger. Therefore we should know how to extinguish lithium battery fires, and hope we never have to do so.
Lithium Battery Fires Can Occur at Home or Work
Lithium-ion batteries have become a common phenomenon at home and work, although most times they are inside devices. This means we don’t always notice the rare occasions when they begin to overheat and swell. If this happens, and you safely can, take them to a place away from people outdoors in fresh air.
Whether or not you can safely follow that advice, call your emergency service who will know what to do. Please do not try to control the situation further, even if you know how to extinguish lithium battery fires in theory. Unless, of course, you have attended a professional safety course and have the certificate.
How Do Fires Start in These Popular Batteries?
There are two underlying causes for lithium-ion battery failure, leading to overheating and sometimes combustion. The first set of problems are down to faulty assembly during mass manufacturing. This has lead to a number of large-scale recalls. These are inconvenient, but we should remember they are for our own good.
The second underlying cause of lithium-ion battery fires is harder to pinpoint. Resources Impact Fire Services suggests it is commonly ‘a stress event such as vibration, an electrical short, or could simply be a fluke’. A mild occurrence like that may cause the battery to discharge and become warmer.
However, if the situation generates significant electrical current, high heat can damage the battery insulation, leading to an explosion and even a fire. Never, ever try to extinguish a lithium battery fire yourself unless you have adequate training. We’ll explain how the professionals do this in our next post.
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