How to Put Out a Lithium Battery Fire?

Lithium batteries are everywhere — in our smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and even household tools. While they are powerful and efficient, they also come with a hidden danger: if damaged, improperly handled, or subjected to extreme conditions, lithium batteries can catch fire. These fires are extremely hazardous, burning at high temperatures and releasing toxic fumes.

Understanding how to recognize the warning signs of a lithium battery fire and knowing exactly how to respond can make the difference between a minor scare and a major disaster. In this guide, we’ll guide you step-by-step through how to spot early trouble, what immediate actions you should take, and the correct methods for safely extinguishing a lithium battery fire.

1. Recognizing the Signs of a Lithium Battery Fire

Visual Indicators

One of the first signs that a lithium battery is in trouble is visual. A battery that is swelling, bulging, or changing shape unexpectedly is a major warning. You might also see smoke seeping from the battery casing, even before flames are visible. The smoke from a lithium battery is often white or gray and can quickly fill a small space, making it hazardous to breathe.

In some cases, you might also notice discoloration or melting around the battery housing. If the battery looks deformed, leaking, or scorched, these are strong signs that a fire could soon erupt.

Audible Warnings

Lithium batteries often produce strange sounds when they are about to catch fire. Hissing, popping, or crackling noises can indicate that the battery’s internal components are breaking down. These sounds are caused by gases rapidly building up inside the battery, which can lead to an explosion if the pressure becomes too great.

It’s important to listen carefully if you suspect battery issues, especially in quiet environments where small sounds can be easier to detect.

Heat Generation

An overheating battery is another critical sign of potential fire. While it is normal for batteries to become slightly warm during charging or heavy use, excessive or sudden heat is a red flag. If a battery feels hot to the touch without any obvious cause, disconnect it immediately and move it to a safe, non-flammable surface if possible.

Persistent heating even after unplugging the battery can indicate an internal short circuit, a common precursor to thermal runaway and fire.

Chemical Smells and Leaks

Unusual chemical smells are often an early warning. A sweet, metallic, or burning plastic odor may come from a lithium battery under stress. Leaking fluids, often oily or with a strong chemical scent, are another dangerous signal. These liquids are flammable and toxic, making immediate action essential.

Never attempt to clean up a leaking battery without proper safety gear. Leaked electrolyte can be corrosive and harmful to skin and eyes.

2. Immediate Actions to Take

Ensure Personal Safety First

The most important priority during a lithium battery fire is personal safety. If you notice a battery showing signs of imminent failure — like smoking, swelling, or leaking — immediately move yourself and others away from the area. Lithium battery fires can escalate extremely quickly, releasing toxic gases and even causing explosions.

If the battery is inside a building, evacuate the space if possible. Close doors behind you to contain any potential fire and prevent smoke from spreading.

Call Emergency Services

If the fire is large, uncontrollable, or located near other flammable materials, call emergency services right away. Provide them with clear information, such as the location, size of the fire, and whether hazardous materials are involved. Firefighters have specialized equipment and training to deal with lithium battery fires safely.

Do not attempt to fight a large battery fire on your own unless you are trained and equipped with the right tools. Waiting for professionals is often the safest choice.

Avoid Moving the Battery

If the battery has already ignited or is dangerously hot, do not try to pick it up or move it. Moving a compromised battery can cause it to rupture, leak, or explode. Instead, focus on clearing the area and isolating the fire if it is safe to do so.

If the battery has not yet caught fire and you are trained in handling hazardous materials, you may carefully place it in a fire-resistant container or on a non-flammable surface — but only if there is no personal risk involved.

Isolate Flammable Materials

If safe to do so, remove any nearby flammable objects from the area around the burning battery. This helps prevent the fire from spreading. Items like paper, fabric, plastics, or solvents should be quickly moved out of range without putting yourself in danger.

Creating a clear space around the fire can also give firefighters or responders better access when they arrive.

Use the Correct Fire Extinguisher

If you have access to a Class D fire extinguisher, which is specifically designed for flammable metals, you can use it to attempt to put out a small lithium battery fire. If a Class D extinguisher is not available, some foam (ABC or BC) extinguishers can help control smaller fires, though they are less effective.

Remember, never use water on a lithium battery fire. Water can react violently with the burning materials, causing the fire to worsen or even explode.

Stay at a Safe Distance

Even if the fire appears small or seems to have died down, keep a safe distance. Lithium battery fires can reignite without warning due to the residual heat trapped inside the cells. Staying away ensures you are protected from any sudden flare-ups or explosions.

It is better to observe from a distance and wait for emergency responders unless you are trained and properly equipped to intervene.

3. How to Extinguish a Lithium Battery Fire

Use a Class D Fire Extinguisher

The best tool for extinguishing a lithium battery fire is a Class D fire extinguisher. These extinguishers are designed specifically for fires involving flammable metals like lithium. They typically contain a dry powder agent, such as sodium chloride or copper powder, which smothers the fire and absorbs the heat.

If a Class D extinguisher is available and you are trained in its use, aim at the base of the fire and apply the powder generously. Continue applying until you are certain that the flames are fully extinguished and there is no risk of reignition.

If a Class D Extinguisher is Not Available

In many cases, a Class D extinguisher may not be readily accessible. If this happens, the next best method is to use dry sand, dirt, or a fire blanket to cover the burning battery. These materials can help smother the fire by cutting off its oxygen supply.

Using dry sand is especially effective because it can trap heat and prevent the fire from spreading. Make sure to apply enough material to fully cover the battery and surrounding flames.

Why Water Should Not Be Used

It is critical to understand that water should never be used directly on a lithium battery fire. Water can react violently with burning lithium, causing dangerous explosions and the release of toxic gases. Instead of putting the fire out, water could make the situation far worse.

Even though instinct might tell you to grab a water hose or bucket, resist the urge. Always prioritize using the correct materials designed for metal fires.

Using a Foam Extinguisher in Small Fires

If the fire is small and a foam fire extinguisher (such as an ABC or BC rated extinguisher) is the only option, it can be used with caution. Foam extinguishers can sometimes help control smaller lithium battery fires, although they are not ideal.

Apply the foam at the base of the fire and move closer only if it is safe to do so. Keep in mind that foam may suppress the fire temporarily, but it might not fully cool the battery, leaving a risk of reignition.

Ensure Complete Extinguishment

After you have suppressed the visible flames, it is crucial to ensure that the fire is truly out. Lithium batteries can retain internal heat and re-ignite minutes or even hours after appearing extinguished. Monitor the area closely for signs of smoke, heat, or changes in color.

If you are unsure, continue applying extinguishing agents or wait for professionals to handle the situation. It’s always better to be overly cautious with lithium battery fires.

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