Lithium-ion battery fires can be dangerous and unpredictable. In New York City, e-bikes powered by lithium-ion batteries caused 267 fires in 2023, killing 18 people and injuring 150. During the last three years, lithium-ion battery fires have surpassed electrical fires as the primary cause of fatal fires in New York City, exceeding blazes caused by cooking and smoking.
In fact, a fire broke out on Thursday, August 22, at an e-bike shop in Richmond Hill, Queens. It’s the second fire to tear through the location in less than two years, according to the FDNY. According to news reports, workers hauled away burned bikes and cleaned up other charred debris at the site after the fire. The cause of the fire was a lithium-ion battery. The city’s Department of Buildings has issued a full vacate order for the property, stating it’s too dangerous for anyone to be inside.
Knowing how to put out lithium-ion battery fires safely at home and places of business is paramount to preventing human loss and property damage.
Understanding Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Catch Fire
When subjected to excessive heat, lithium-ion batteries can undergo a dangerous process known as thermal runaway. This condition starts a chain reaction that can result in the battery catching fire. Factors such as exposure to high temperatures destabilize lithium-ion batteries and increase their propensity for this type of event. Using incompatible or defective chargers can lead to instability within the battery cells, causing them to ignite.
Some prevalent triggers of fires in these types of batteries include:
- Overcharging
- Utilizing damaged or substandard chargers
- Subjecting the battery cell to extreme temperature conditions
- Physical damage like punctures
- Employing unapproved or counterfeit products
Cautious handling and proper charging are critical measures needed to lower the chances of lithium battery fires.
Crushing or piercing lithium-ion batteries also heightens fire risks. Even routine stresses such as vibrations and electrical shorts could lead to ignition during thermal runaway situations, where organic electrolytes found inside vaporize, escalating pressure within the casing while releasing both flammable and toxic gases.
The potential for these types of events exists not just at home but also in numerous work environments, reinforcing the importance of comprehending the hazards involved with lithium batteries.
Immediate Steps to Take When a Lithium-Ion Battery Catches Fire
When a lithium-ion battery ignites, the first course of action should be:
- Immediately clear everyone from the vicinity to ensure their protection. These fires’ swift intensification and emission of poisonous fumes necessitate urgent evacuation.
- After securing safety, swiftly notify local fire authorities to mitigate imminent dangers.
- Given the erratic behavior of lithium-ion battery fires, specialized intervention is essential for adequate control.
In such situations, prioritizing safety is crucial. Lithium-ion batteries can release hazardous materials and toxic smoke when they burn, which could lead to severe health complications or even explosions if not handled properly. It’s, therefore, essential to keep a safe distance and entrust containment efforts to trained responders. Following these initial measures promptly can help mitigate hazards and effectively manage crises.
Effective Methods to Extinguish Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Dealing with a fire caused by lithium-ion batteries necessitates specific measures due to their inherent dangers These measures include:
- Diminishing the battery’s temperature to decelerate the occurring chemical reactions.
- Suffocating the flames by eliminating oxygen access by using a fire blanket or covering it in sand or another substance incapable of burning.
- Containing the blaze by moving the battery away from ignition sources or enclosing it within a container impervious to fire.
Ordinary extinguishers prove mostly ineffective against these types of fires. Therefore, specialized suppression agents tailored for combating ion battery fires are recommended.
Using ABC Fire Extinguishers
ABC fire extinguishers combat fires from lithium-ion batteries by interrupting the components of the combustion process. Employing monoammonium phosphate, a dry chemical agent, these extinguishers confront and neutralize the liquid electrolytes present in these ion batteries, halting the self-sustaining reaction that propagates the blaze.
The ability to deal with a wide range of conflagrations renders ABC fire extinguishers indispensable for safeguarding against flames. Equipped to tackle both flammable liquids and combustible substances effectively, understanding how they work is crucial in controlling fires ignited by lithium-ion cells and impeding proliferation.
Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) Extinguishers
AVD extinguishers present a specialized solution to combat lithium ion battery fires, releasing a mist infused with vermiculite flakes (a natural mineral made up of a lightweight, highly absorbent flake). The fire’s temperature is reduced by the mist while the vermiculite wraps around the energy source, forming an impenetrable barrier against oxygen that is non-combustible. This combined approach effectively suppresses the fire and obstructs its ability to re-ignite.
Deploying AVD extinguishers proves exceptionally valuable in settings where fires from lithium-ion batteries are a pronounced threat. Their capacity to simultaneous cool the blaze and separate combustible material renders them an effective tool for handling these dangerous situations.
Water-Based Extinguishers with Additives
Water-based extinguishers with additives are another effective option for lithium-ion battery fires, especially when dealing with metallic lithium. These extinguishers are designed to enhance the cooling and smothering effects of water through the addition of substances like ‘P Foam’. These additives help create a film over the burning material, cutting off the oxygen supply and cooling the fire.
Specialized Equipment for Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety
Handling fires originating from lithium-ion batteries requires specialized tools capable of addressing their unique dangers, like thermal runaway and stubborn flames that can be challenging to extinguish. Fire protection providers offer critical equipment for businesses, improving their safety measures and readiness against such incidents.
Electric Car Fire Blankets
Electric car fire blankets contain fires in electric vehicles, preventing the spread of flames and reducing exposure to toxic gases. These blankets are made from high-temperature resistant materials and can withstand the intense heat generated by a lithium-ion battery fire. Proper deployment by trained personnel is crucial to ensure effective containment and safety.
These fire blankets are essential for managing lithium-ion battery fires in electric vehicles. They help protect the vehicle and the surrounding area by preventing the spread of flames and containing toxic fumes.
Safe Storage Solutions for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Secure storage and charging solutions like the Phoenix Battery Commander series are essential for safeguarding lithium-ion batteries. These specialized units are engineered to mitigate the risks of lithium-ion battery fires through several key measures.
- Confinement of potential incidents
- Equipped with fire suppression systems
- Constructed with automatically sealing doors
- Integrated internal temperature monitoring devices
- Built-in air ventilation pathways
These provisions reinforce safety protocols, assisting in accident prevention.
The Phoenix Battery Commander line delivers exceptional security by incorporating dual walls and insulation materials that resist flames and can handle intense battery explosions. Advanced electronic locks coupled with multi-point locking mechanisms ensure these containment cabinets stay firmly sealed if a fire occurs. Adopting such secure storage options significantly diminishes hazards linked to fires involving lithium-ion batteries, promoting a safe space for their charge and storage needs.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
It’s essential to correctly store and manage lithium-ion batteries to mitigate the risk of fires. The following guidelines can help:
- Keep these ion batteries at a moderate temperature environment.
- Refrain from charging lithium-ion battery units below freezing or above 105°F (40°C).
- Place spare batteries separate from any combustible materials to minimize fire hazards.
- Avoid exposing lithium-ion battery devices to prolonged sunlight or excessive heat inside vehicles, as this may elevate the potential for ignition.
For those traveling with such batteries:
- Ensure you carry your lithium-ion cells in carry-on baggage instead of checked bags to prevent overheating while airborne.
- Never discard these types of batteries in general waste. Rather, they should be adequately recycled at authorized centers for safe processing.
By faithfully implementing these safety measures, one can significantly decrease the likelihood of experiencing fires caused by lithium-ion technology in our daily electronics. This will preserve both personal welfare and protect assets effectively through proper use and eco-friendly disposal protocols related to such rechargeable energy sources.
Call the Law Offices of Ronemus & Vilensky
If you or a family member has been injured in a fire through no fault of your own, you have rights. The Law Offices of Ronemus & Vilensky, LLP can help you exercise those rights. You may be entitled to financial compensation if negligence has led to a fire injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do lithium-ion batteries catch fire?
Thermal runaway, along with high heat exposure, incorrect charging practices, and physical strain, can cause lithium-ion batteries to ignite. These conditions may result in elevated temperatures and the liberation of combustible electrolytes from the batteries, ultimately leading them to catch fire.
What should I do immediately if a lithium-ion battery catches fire?
Promptly leave the vicinity, notify the fire authorities, and maintain a secure distance from the blaze to ensure safety is paramount.
What are the best methods to extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire?
To effectively put out a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery, it is recommended to use ABC or AVD fire extinguishers, as well as water-based extinguishers that contain additives. It’s important not to employ plain water when attempting to quench fires involving lithium ions.
How can I prevent lithium-ion battery fires?
To avert fires associated with lithium ion batteries, it’s crucial to maintain the storage of these batteries at ambient temperature, ensure they are distanced from materials that can easily ignite, shield them from direct sunlight exposure, refrain from placing them in checked baggage when flying and dispose of them appropriately through recycling.
