Lithium-ion battery fires
Lithium-ion batteries are powering more devices than ever. From personal electronics and mobility devices (e-bikes, scooters, wheelchairs) to energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles and manufacturing facilities, firefighters are responding to myriad incident types that require a new approach. These calls challenge our crews, in part due to their long duration. The FireRescue1 lithium-ion battery fire resource page includes news and subject-matter expert analysis of this emerging issue.
Answering the most common questions, including how well Li-ion battery fire contaminants can be removed through PPE cleaning
With the stairs set ablaze by the burning battery, residents in the four-story building had to scale down the fire escape, FDNY said
In testimony before a House subcommittee, one fire chief stated the training alone will cost fire departments billions
Mayor Eric Adams hopes the stations will give delivery workers a safer way to charge lithium-ion batteries
See how Miami-Dade, San Diego and other departments use social media to increase public awareness about lithium-ion battery fire dangers
The Manhattan shop had e-bikes charging with extension cords, e-bike and scooter battery packs lined up next to each other and no designated charging area
Within 6 months the number of people killed in lithium-ion battery fires has more than doubled over last year
FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief John Sarrocco said firefighters found heavy fire in the e-bike shop on the ground floor of the six-story building
Eric Valliere, chair of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, spoke with FireRescue1 about this year’s safety push around electric batteries
Deputy Chief Darin Wallentine details this year’s Firefighter Safety Stand Down theme, from EVs to e-bikes and beyond
Incorporating the annual theme into training takes planning, repetition and creativity
10 ways to incorporate the Firefighter Safety Stand Down theme into training and education activities
San Diego Fire Rescue hazardous materials team responded to the container fire that threatened a home and high-rise
Fires involving e-bikes and similar devices in NYC have killed 9 people this year, compared to 10 in 2022, 2021 combined
The fatal fire happened amid growing concern in the city about fires linked to the lithium ion batteries that power electric bikes and scooters
Without data, the extent of the problem is unknown
Fire department leaders are advising the public to be careful and urging lawmakers to establish regulations quickly
When lithium-ion batteries are stored in bulk, the volatile fuel load presents a major challenge for firefighters
Researchers around the world are independently working to solve the challenges firefighters face with electric vehicle fires, so why aren’t we sharing our findings?
The event underscored the need for additional research, plus enhanced training and situational awareness, related to this hazard
Warehouse Point firefighters are using the incident to notify the public of the dangers that can be involved with lithium batteries.
Taking place June 18-24, the weeklong event encourages firefighters to focus training on the theme “Lithium-ion batteries: Are you ready?”
Novato Chief Bill Tyler said officials will work to ensure the facility has ample notification and warning systems to quickly stop potential fires from spreading
Key factors fire departments should consider when developing procedures for EVs and other devices powered by lithium-ion batteries
More than 200 firefighters from 50 units responded to the five-alarm blaze within four minutes, according to the department
From chemical make-up to cell construction, not all lithium-ion batteries are the same
Children
FDNY crewmembers removed all of the children and found heavy fire in the basement
The course offers insights into how hazards develop during lithium-ion battery incidents, plus strategies firefighters can use to mitigate the risks
The battery added to the “heavy smoke condition” that filled the building, officials said. Most of the residents who died suffered smoke inhalation
The department wants the public to know that while lithium-ion batteries are safe to use, problems can occur if the batteries are defective, damaged or mishandled
International Association of Fire Chiefs
Members of the association’s Safety and Health Section and Fire and Life Safety Section are now working on a lithium-ion toolkit for fire departments
Firefighters love testing new tactics and tools, but some methods simply don’t address the key issue with EV fires
Most manufacturers have posted their updated ERGs on their websites and submitted them to the NFPA
