Firefighters are sounding the alarm after nighttime fires over the dangers of lithium batteries

By On Jan 28, 2023

GLENDALE, AZ – After two fires at the same Valley home overnight, firefighters are raising the alarm about the dangers of lithium batteries, which are common in many households.

The Glendale Fire Department says a family experienced a fire late Tuesday night while charging three e-bike batteries in their garage.

One of the batteries reportedly exploded and caught fire, prompting emergency crews to attend the home. A few hours later, when investigators were on the scene after removing the other two wheels, the second battery caught fire. Fortunately, the investigator was able to extinguish the fire quickly.

Seven people in the home were displaced by the fire, but no one was injured.

Braxton Horejs works at Bicycle Depot in Arizona and says electric bikes are extremely popular with customers.

“They’re a lot of fun, great bikes that really take you out,” he said.

But Horejs says there’s a learning curve when it comes to properly maintaining a lithium battery.

“Anything that has a battery needs some care,” he said.

Lithium (ion) batteries are commonly used in products such as smartphones, laptops, e-scooters, e-bikes, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys, power tools, tablets, cameras and even cars.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “in February 2018, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s High Energy Density Battery Project Status Report reported more than 25,000 overheating or fires involving more than 400 types of consumer products , powered by lithium batteries. which occurred over a five-year period.”

Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association to help protect you and your family and reduce the risk of fire when using lithium batteries:

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Why are lithium battery fires hard to put out?

Why are lithium batteries so hard to shut down? Why do lithium batteries catch fire? If the lithium battery overheats, it may catch fire. This thermal instability, called thermal runaway, occurs when burning gases escape from the lithium-ion cells in the battery. Overheating of one defective cell causes a chain reaction in other cells.

Why can’t you put out a fire with lithium? Thanks to their chemical composition, lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries release oxygen when they heat up, and if they catch fire, it is impossible to smother the flames with water or foam.

How do firefighters put out a lithium battery fire? A successful method of extinguishing a lithium-ion battery fire is to throw the entire battery into water.

Are battery fires hard to put out?

When lithium-ion batteries catch fire, it is very difficult to put them out. Conventional fire extinguishing agents do not work and the fire can burn very strongly. Under certain circumstances, the battery may explode. “If you have a problem with one cell, it will start to spread,” says Magrabi.

Why is a lithium battery fire difficult to extinguish? As firefighters have discovered in recent years, lithium-ion battery fires can reignite. This is because the lithium salts in the battery self-oxidize, meaning they cannot be “starved” like a traditional fire.

How common are battery fires?

One in every 10 million lithium-ion batteries fail, almost always resulting in a fire, Ms Hutchison said. While that’s a relatively low rate, the batteries are used in more devices, including cheaper, non-certified batteries with higher risks, she said.

What to do if the battery catches fire? Small lithium batteries contain very little lithium, so they can be doused with water. For large lithium-ion battery fires, use a foam extinguisher containing CO2, graphite powder, ABC dry chemical, or sodium carbonate.

Can batteries catch fire if they get too hot? The energy stored in this battery is released very suddenly. This chain reaction creates extremely high temperatures (around 752 degrees Fahrenheit / 400 degrees Celsius). These temperatures can cause the battery to gas and cause a fire that is so hot that it is almost impossible to put out.

Can you put out a battery fire?

For large lithium-ion battery fires, use a foam extinguisher containing CO2, graphite powder, ABC dry chemical, or sodium carbonate. In a battery pack fire, each cell can burn at a different timing.

Are battery fires toxic? Gases, fumes and smoke from the battery are highly toxic and flammable and should not be inhaled. Call Triple Zero (000) and wait in a safe place for the fire brigade to arrive. If anyone has been exposed to spilled electrolyte, flying debris, smoke or fumes, or flames, seek emergency medical attention.

Are electric car fires difficult to put out?

Although there have been fewer fires than gas or hybrid vehicles, automotive experts say electric car fires are much more difficult to extinguish because of lithium-ion batteries.

Can you put out an electric car battery fire? “Typically, you can put out a fire in a car with 500 to 1,000 liters of water,” said Austin Fire Department Chief Thayer Smith, according to The Independent. “But a Tesla can use up to 30,000-40,000 liters of water, maybe even more, to put out a battery when it starts burning.”

What makes lithium batteries catch fire?

Technically speaking, lithium-ion batteries catch fire due to an anomaly in their constituent elements – an electrolyte composed of organic solvents, an oxygen-rich cathode, flammable gases. To reduce the risk, keep your EV in the shade, store it in a dry place and let it cool down before recharging.

How to prevent lithium battery fire? Remove lithium-powered devices and batteries from the charger when fully charged. Store lithium batteries and devices in a dry and cool place. Avoid damage to lithium batteries and devices.

How likely are lithium batteries to catch fire? The main risk with lithium-ion batteries is fire. Batteries are not likely to catch fire – but they can be caused by defects inside the battery or external damage. And when they do catch fire, the consequences can be serious.

What is the biggest cause of lithium-ion batteries exploding?

Exposure of batteries to heat sources can be extremely dangerous as it can cause an explosion. Another less common reason can be battery penetration, which can cause a short circuit and eventually a fire. In addition, high-voltage charging or over-discharging will damage the package.

How to protect lithium batteries from explosion? Do not store fully charged batteries for long periods of time Ensure that all lithium-ion batteries that are stored for long periods are charged to levels below 30% charge capacity to reduce the risk of thermal runaway due to damage, manufacturing defects or internal defects.

What is the biggest problem with lithium batteries? Lithium-ion batteries contain metals such as cobalt, nickel and manganese, which are toxic and can pollute water supplies and ecosystems if they leach from landfills. In addition, fires at landfills or battery recycling facilities have been attributed to improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries.

What are the chances of a lithium battery exploding? According to technology reporting website CNET, your odds of a lithium battery fire are about 1 in 10 million.

Can lithium batteries overheat and catch fire?

However, lithium-ion batteries are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and are inherently flammable. These batteries degrade much faster than normal due to the heat. If a lithium-ion battery fails, it will catch fire and cause significant damage.

What happens when lithium batteries overheat? High temperatures and thermal runaway Thermal runaway often occurs at high temperatures, as they can trigger exothermic reactions in the battery. Because the reactions produce more heat and increase the temperature of the battery, it can cause battery destruction, as well as workplace fires and explosions.

What are the signs of a lithium-ion battery fire? In rare cases, they may cause a fire or explosion. Stop using the battery if you notice any of these problems: odor, discoloration, excessive heat, change in shape, leakage, strange noises. If it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. Call 9-1-1.