United States firefighters from across the nation are gathering at the New York Fire Academy, to analyze lithium-ion battery fires. They will develop a united response to what is becoming a disturbing problem. When responders tackle lithium-ion fires collectively like this, they should stand a better chance of understanding the science behind these blazes. We sure hope they do!
Firefighters Share Proven Tactics for Tackling Lithium-Ion Blazes
The fire responders will meet with their colleagues to share their experiences. “We’ve been reducing injuries and deaths as a result of collaborations like this,” New York Fire Department Commissioner Robert Tucker told New York Daily News. “Frankly, we want to know what they know. This is a two-way street.”
The forum plans to create a national checklist for effectively identifying and classifying e-bike and e-scooter battery fires. The current database is imperfect, because each fire company has developed its own system. The seminar intends to develop a national database for U.S. Fire Administration to share.
The New York Fire Department decided to collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Urban Security and Technology Laboratory, to address public safety concerns about lithium-ion battery fires. Colleagues from Seattle, Denver, Chicago and Atlanta fire departments will join them for the two day seminar.
Lithium-Ion is a New and Evolving Challenge for Responders
This is a new and developing fire risk that began in e-bikes and e-scooters in New York City, but is spreading. The New York Fire Department safety tips that we link to below, emphasize the need to ensure that batteries bear the UL safety mark, that assures they have been tested to nationally recognized safety standards.
Firefighters are learning as they go, and we need to acknowledge this and support them. “New York City is on the leading edge of it, but we are seeing it in other communities” warns a senior Homeland Security Department official. “It will become prevalent across the nation if we don’t get ahead of it.”
More Information
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Preview Image: Aftermath of E-Bike Store Fire
