Firefighting Operations: Lithium-Ion Batteries

A battery or group of batteries designed to store energy for later use.

These systems can be custom-made, off-the-shelf products, or even DIY creations.

A type of ESS that can be walked into, usually found outdoors.

This type of ESS is typically found outdoors in a cabinet.

This type of ESS is located in a building, and can be found in homes, businesses, or even public facilities.

These are large and small batteries found in a variety of vehicles, from cars to bikes.

Any vehicle that uses an electric motor powered by batteries.

An uncontrolled, self-heating state that can occur in lithium-ion batteries.

A serious risk associated with lithium-ion batteries where the battery heats up uncontrollably and releases gases, shrapnel, and potentially catches fire.

The increased use of lithium-ion batteries has raised safety concerns for firefighters and incident mitigation.

Personal protective equipment that must be worn by all personnel in a controlled area involving lithium-ion batteries.

Self-contained breathing apparatus, used to provide breathable air in hazardous environments.

Lithium-ion battery assemblies or energy storage systems containers should never be opened or overhauled by firefighters due to safety risks.

The primary resource for information on lithium-ion batteries involved in incidents.

Lithium-ion cells that have been ejected as projectiles due to an explosion.

Lithium-ion batteries that are not involved in the incident should be moved away using non-conductive tools to prevent further involvement.

Firefighters should never hold a lithium-ion battery or cell directly in their hands.

Lithium-ion batteries may still retain an electric charge even after being shut down or discharged.

Non-conductive equipment should be used when handling lithium-ion batteries to prevent electric shock and potential hazards.

Electric vehicles connected to a charging system may feed power back into the home even after power is lost or disconnected.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been used in everyday products such as mobile phones and power grids. However, their use has also led to an increase in fires, causing fatalities and intensifying existing fires.

LIBs can explode when they are exposed to heat, physical damage, or electrical issues. This can happen due to overcharging, forced discharge, manufacturing defects, or short circuits.

When LIBs overheat, they can rupture and release toxic and flammable gases. These gases can form a dangerous atmosphere, potentially leading to explosions, even from small batteries.

LIBs can unexpectedly re-ignite after a fire has been extinguished. This can happen minutes, hours, or even days later, making it essential to ensure the fire is completely out before leaving the area.

Pouring water on a battery in thermal runaway won't prevent it from overheating further. It may worsen the situation, therefore, it should be avoided.

Never attempt to open a LIB container to help water get into the battery case. This could be very dangerous.

If a LIB remains submerged in water for an extended period, it should be discarded. In case of salt water submersion, the battery should be disposed of immediately.

LIBs contain different gases, and these can combine to form a mixture that is explosive and toxic when released. This makes handling them safely paramount.

Even small batteries can pose a significant risk, as the gases released during thermal runaway are highly pressurized and can cause explosions.

White smoke venting from a LIB may indicate pressurized gas release. This is a warning sign that the battery might explode soon.

The Incident Commander should use a TFS-supplied cell phone to take pictures of the affected batteries and send them to the Division Chief (DVC) Fire Investigations.

TICs (Thermal Imaging Cameras) may not provide accurate readings for battery fires because the remaining protection surrounding the battery affects the readings.

Water is the primary agent used to extinguish lithium-ion battery fires. It acts as a cooling agent to prevent thermal runaway.

Due to the nature of LIB fires and their potential for reignition or explosions, crews should maintain a safe exclusion zone and be prepared for these events.

In large LIB fires, a Defensive Operation may be necessary, focusing on protecting exposures and personnel. This means prioritizing safety and preventing spread.

Electric vehicle (EV) fires in unvented garages can create dangerous conditions for backdraft or explosions due to gas buildup.

Post-incident decontamination is crucial for crews who have been exposed to smoke, vapors, or other contaminants during a battery fire. This is done according to TFS TN 104.2.

The Incident Commander decides whether a fire watch is needed after a battery fire to monitor for potential reignition.

All conversations related to battery fires should be recorded in the Officer's Memo book for documentation and future reference.