How to Act in Case of a Lithium Battery Fire (Li-ion / LiPo): A Practical Safety Guide
- jesublg
- Jan 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 20
Lithium-based batteries have become a key technology in energy storage, mobility, UPS systems and industrial applications. Their advantages are well known: high energy density, fast charging and compact design.
However, when a lithium battery fails, the resulting fire behaves very differently from a conventional fire. Misunderstanding this difference can lead to ineffective responses, increased damage and serious safety risks.
At Interberg, we believe that technology and safety must always go hand in hand. This article provides a clear, practical overview of lithium battery fire safety, explaining how to act in the event of a lithium battery fire while highlighting common mistakes and recommended best practices.
Lithium Battery Fire Safety: Why These Fires Are Not Conventional
Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries can enter a phenomenon known as thermal runaway.This is a self-sustaining internal reaction in which heat, gas release and combustion accelerate rapidly.
Key implications:
The fire generates its own oxygen.
It does not depend on external air.
High temperatures and toxic gases are released internally.
As a result, lithium battery fires cannot be treated like ordinary electrical or solid fires.
Why Standard Fire Extinguishers Often Fail
One of the most common misconceptions is assuming that ABC fire extinguishers will solve the problem.
In reality:
ABC extinguishers suppress visible flames.
They do not cool the battery core.
Thermal runaway may continue internally.
Re-ignition can occur minutes or even hours later.
This can create a false sense of safety, which is particularly dangerous in indoor or industrial environments.
What Extinguishing Options Are More Effective?
Dedicated Lithium Battery Fire Extinguishers
The most effective solution is a fire extinguisher specifically designed for lithium batteries, capable of cooling and suppressing the battery core.
Class D Extinguishers (Limited Use)
Class D extinguishers may be used as a secondary option, although they are primarily designed for metal fires and are not optimized for modern lithium-ion cells.
Dry Sand or Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Dry sand or non-clumping, unscented cat litter can:
Reduce flames.
Contain fragments.
Limit fire spread.
⚠️ Important: These methods contain the fire but do not fully extinguish the chemical reaction.
Why Water Should Not Be Used
Using water on lithium battery fires can:
Generate explosive steam.
Release flammable hydrogen.
Increase electrical risk.
Spread contaminated runoff.
Water should only be used by trained emergency services with appropriate equipment, never as a first response in industrial or domestic settings.
Containment Is Often More Important Than Extinction
Metal containers, steel trays or dedicated fire-resistant battery boxes can:
Limit heat propagation.
Protect surrounding equipment.
Reduce secondary ignition risks.
⚠️ Containers must never be airtight. Pressure relief is essential to avoid explosions.
Human Safety Always Comes First
In any lithium battery fire scenario:
Evacuate people immediately.
Clearly announce a “battery fire”.
Disconnect power only if it is safe to do so.
Attempt containment or suppression only if trained and equipped.
No equipment or asset is worth risking human life.
The Risk Does Not End When Flames Stop
Even after flames appear extinguished:
Internal reactions may continue.
Re-ignition remains possible.
Heat, smoke or crackling sounds may reappear.
Affected batteries must be:
Isolated.
Monitored for several hours.
Treated as hazardous materials.
Lithium Batteries Involved in a Fire Must Never Be Reused
Any battery that has:
Burned.
Vented gases.
Experienced thermal runaway.
Must be considered permanently damaged and handled through authorized hazardous waste recycling channels.
A Minimum Safety Kit Is Strongly Recommended
Any facility storing or charging lithium batteries should have:
A lithium-battery-rated fire extinguisher.
Dry sand or suitable containment material.
A metal container or fire-resistant enclosure.
Heat-resistant gloves.
Safety goggles.
A visible emergency response plan.
Safety Is Part of Responsible Energy Storage
Lithium technology is a powerful tool when applied correctly. Understanding its risks is not about fear—it is about professional responsibility.
At Interberg, we support energy storage solutions that combine performance, reliability and safety, and we actively promote best practices across all applications where advanced battery technologies are deployed.
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