A lithium ion battery fire is not a normal fire. You cannot put it out the same way you would put out a wood fire or a grease fire. Standard fire extinguishers may not work, and using water incorrectly can make the situation worse. The most important step is to move away from the fire and call emergency services immediately. If you are in a safe position to act, you can use a specific type of extinguisher or large amounts of water, but only under the right conditions.
Why Are Lithium Ion Battery Fires So Dangerous?
Lithium ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space. When that energy is released suddenly, it creates heat. This heat can cause the battery to catch fire and even explode.
These fires are unique because they are a chemical reaction, not just a burning fuel. The battery contains its own oxygen source. This means the fire does not need air from the outside to keep burning. You cannot smother it with a blanket or dirt the way you would a regular fire.
This process is called thermal runaway. The heat from one cell heats the next cell. This creates a chain reaction that is very hard to stop. Once thermal runaway starts, it can continue even after the visible flames are out.
How Do You Put Out A Lithium Ion Battery Fire?
The short answer is that most people cannot fully put out a lithium ion battery fire on their own. The priority is always to get away and call 911.
If the fire is small and you have the right equipment, you have two main options. The first is a Class D fire extinguisher. These are designed for metal fires and are often found in laboratories or industrial settings. The second option is water, but it must be a very large amount of water. A garden hose is usually not enough.
Water works by cooling the battery. If you can cool it below the temperature where the chemical reaction continues, the fire will stop. This requires a steady, large volume of water applied directly to the battery for a long time. Some fire departments use thousands of gallons of water on a single electric vehicle battery fire.
Do not use a standard home fire extinguisher. A typical ABC extinguisher may briefly knock down the flames, but the battery can reignite minutes or hours later. The extinguisher does not cool the battery enough to stop the chemical reaction.
What Should You Do If a Device Catches Fire?
Your first action should be to get everyone out of the area. Do not try to move the burning device unless it is very small and you can do so safely without touching the flames or smoke.
If the device is small, like a phone or a laptop, and you have a clear path, you may be able to move it outside. Place it on a non-flammable surface like concrete or bare dirt. Keep a safe distance from it.
Do not pick up a burning battery with your bare hands. The heat can cause severe burns. Use tongs or a shovel if you must move it.
Call emergency services even if you think the fire is out. Lithium ion battery fires can reignite. A battery that has been involved in a fire is unstable and should be handled by professionals.
Can You Use Water on a Lithium Ion Battery Fire?
Yes, water can be effective, but only in large quantities. This is a common point of confusion.
Many people have heard that you should not use water on electrical fires. That advice applies to fires involving live electrical equipment. A lithium ion battery fire is a chemical fire, and the priority is cooling. Water is one of the few things that can effectively cool a battery and stop thermal runaway.
There is also a concern about the chemistry of the battery. Lithium metal reacts violently with water. However, lithium ion batteries do not contain pure lithium metal. They contain lithium compounds. The primary danger is the heat and the fire, not the chemical reaction with water.
Fire departments regularly use water on electric vehicle fires. They apply massive amounts of water to cool the battery pack. A bucket of water or a garden hose will not provide enough cooling to stop the reaction.
What Type of Fire Extinguisher Works Best?
Class D fire extinguishers are designed for combustible metals. They are the most reliable option for a small lithium ion battery fire. These extinguishers use a dry powder that smothers the fire and absorbs heat.
Some newer extinguishers are specifically marketed for lithium ion battery fires. These are often available for purchase for home use. The evidence for their effectiveness is mixed. Some fire safety experts recommend them for small fires, while others note that no consumer extinguisher can guarantee stopping thermal runaway.
If you have a Class D extinguisher, aim at the base of the fire and sweep across it. Even if the flames go out, treat the battery as a hazard. It can reignite.
What Should You Not Do?
Do not use a standard ABC dry chemical extinguisher as your only response. It can put out the flames temporarily, but it does not cool the battery. This gives a false sense of safety.
Do not use a flammable liquid extinguisher. These can spread the fire.
Do not cover the battery with a lid or a bucket. Since the battery produces its own oxygen, this will not work.
Do not throw the battery in a trash can or a recycling bin. A damaged battery can start a fire hours later in a garbage truck or landfill.
How to Prevent a Lithium Ion Battery Fire
Prevention is the best strategy. Most lithium ion battery fires start from physical damage, manufacturing defects, or improper charging.
Use the charger that came with your device. Third-party chargers may not have the correct voltage or safety features. Avoid charging a device on soft surfaces like a bed or couch. The battery can overheat without proper ventilation.
Stop using a device if the battery is swollen, cracked, or leaking. A swollen battery is a sign of internal damage. Do not charge it. Do not puncture it. Contact the manufacturer or a professional recycling service for proper disposal.
Do not leave devices charging unattended for long periods. This is especially important for devices with known battery issues.
When to Call Emergency Services
Call 911 immediately if the fire is larger than a small flame, if it is spreading, or if you are unsure what to do. You should also call if the fire is in a vehicle, a home, or any structure.
If a battery is smoking or hissing, it is about to catch fire or explode. Get away from it immediately. Do not try to move it. The expansion of gases inside the battery can cause it to burst.
Even after a small fire appears to be out, contact your local fire department for guidance. They can advise you on how to safely handle the damaged battery. Do not attempt to dispose of it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can baking soda put out a lithium ion battery fire?
No, baking soda is not effective for lithium ion battery fires. It does not cool the battery enough to stop the chemical reaction.
Is it safe to use a regular fire extinguisher on a lithium battery?
A standard ABC extinguisher may put out the visible flames but will not stop the battery from reigniting. Only a Class D extinguisher is designed for this type of fire.
How long does a lithium ion battery fire burn?
The visible fire can last from seconds to several minutes, but the battery can remain hot and reignite for hours or even days. This is why professional fire crews monitor these fires for long periods.
Should I throw a burning phone outside?
Only if you can do it safely without touching the flames or smoke. Place it on a non-flammable surface and keep a safe distance. Call 911 regardless of whether the flames go out.
