How Do You Put Out A Lithium-Ion Battery Fire?

Lithium batteries power nearly everything in our daily lives, from smartphones and laptops to e-bikes, solar energy storage, and electric vehicles. While these batteries are efficient and compact, they also pose unique fire risks. A lithium battery fire is not like a regular fire: it burns hotter, can reignite hours later, and often resists traditional extinguishing methods. The smoke it produces is toxic.

So if you've ever wondered how to put out a lithium battery fire, this guide breaks it down. We'll cover why these fires happen, why a regular extinguisher usually won't cut it, what actually works, and most importantly, how to prevent one in the first place.

Why Do Lithium Batteries Catch Fire?

To understand how to fight these fires, you first need to know why they start.

The primary cause of lithium battery fires is a phenomenon called thermal runaway, a cascading failure process that occurs within the battery cells. During thermal runaway, an initial trigger causes the battery's internal temperature to rise rapidly. This temperature increase accelerates chemical decomposition within the electrolyte, generating additional heat and flammable gases.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that thermal runaway reactions can elevate internal battery temperatures to over 1,100°F (600°C) within seconds. At these extreme temperatures, the battery's separator material melts, allowing direct contact between the positive and negative electrodes. This creates internal short circuits that generate even more heat, perpetuating the destructive cycle.

Common Triggers and Risk Factors:

• Overcharging or using the wrong charger: Using incompatible or low-quality chargers exacerbates this risk by delivering inconsistent voltage or current levels. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) emphasizes that charging-related incidents account for approximately 62% of lithium battery fires in residential settings. To minimize this risk, consider using a high-quality charger like the Renogy battery charger, which is designed to deliver stable current and protect against overcharging.
• Physical damage: Physical impacts, punctures, or crushing forces can compromise the battery's internal structure. Even minor damage may not immediately trigger thermal runaway but can create weak points that fail under normal operating conditions.
• Heat exposure: High ambient temperatures accelerate chemical reactions within battery cells. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 100°F (38°C) can initiate thermal runaway even in otherwise healthy batteries.
• Cell Degradation: As lithium batteries age, their internal resistance increases and their ability to manage thermal stress decreases. Batteries approaching the end of their design life are significantly more prone to thermal runaway events, even under normal operating conditions.

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Why Your Standard Fire Extinguisher Probably Won't Help

Traditional fire extinguishing agents are designed to combat fires that require three elements: fuel, oxygen, and heat (the fire triangle). Conventional extinguishers work by removing one or more of these elements, smothering flames to eliminate oxygen, or cooling burning materials below their ignition temperature. Unlike simple fires, lithium battery fires present distinct challenges that standard extinguishing agents fail to address:

• Multiple Fuel Sources and Self-Sustaining Reactions: Lithium batteries contain a complex mix of combustible materials, including the cathode, electrolyte, casing, and plastics. This creates multiple fuel sources. Even more critically, the fire's internal reaction is self-sustaining; it generates its own oxygen and continues to produce intense heat, a process known as thermal runaway. Standard extinguishing agents, like carbon dioxide (CO2) and dry chemicals, work by smothering the external flames and cutting off the oxygen supply. However, they lack the cooling capacity to lower the internal cell temperature and stop the thermal runaway reaction, leading to a high risk of re-ignition.
• Toxic Gas Release: Lithium battery fires release a variety of highly toxic and corrosive gases, including hydrogen fluoride (HF) and carbon monoxide (CO). These gases pose a significant health risk to first responders and anyone nearby. Traditional fire extinguishers do not mitigate the release of these toxic fumes.

Specific Limitations of Common Extinguisher Types

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers: While CO2 can suppress external flames by displacing oxygen, it cannot penetrate battery cells to interrupt the internal thermal runaway process. The rapid dissipation of CO2 gas also means that flames can quickly reignite once the agent clears.
• Dry Chemical Extinguishers: Standard ABC dry chemical extinguishers contain ammonium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate compounds. These agents can suppress surface flames but lack the cooling capacity necessary to reduce internal cell temperatures below the thermal runaway threshold. The powdered residue can also complicate cleanup and potentially damage sensitive electronic equipment.

Effective Methods to Put Out a Lithium Battery Fire

Now let's look at what actually works when trying to stop these dangerous fires.

1. Encapsulator Agents (F-500 EA)

One of the most effective modern solutions is the F-500 Encapsulator Agent (EA). Unlike traditional foams, F-500 EA is fluorine-free and a special additive mixed with water that:

• Pulls heat out fast, cooling the cells before they reignite.
• Encapsulates flammable vapors so they can't ignite.
• Cuts down the toxic smoke.

It has been tested according to NTA 8133 standards, ensuring its effectiveness even with large batteries (≥600 Wh). Fire brigades in the U.S. and Europe increasingly recommend F-500 EA for electric vehicle and energy storage system fires.

2. Aerosol Extinguishers (Stat-X)

Another cutting-edge technology is aerosol-based suppression systems like Stat-X. These use potassium-based compounds that release fine particles and gases, interrupting the chemical chain reaction inside the fire.

A DNV GL study found that aerosol extinguishers could put out both single-cell and multi-cell battery fires within seconds. However, deep-seated hotspots may still require additional cooling.

3. Fire Blankets: Helpful but Limited

Fire blankets designed for lithium batteries can suppress flames and block radiant heat. While they're useful for containing smaller fires (like laptops or e-bikes), they don't eliminate the root cause of thermal runaway. Use them as a stopgap measure until professional help arrives.

What If You Don't Have a Specialized Fire Extinguisher?

Let's be honest: most people do not keep a lithium-ion fire extinguisher in the garage. If a battery fire occurs in your house, here's a breakdown of how to deal with it, depending on the battery type and size:

1. ensuring safety.

• Evacuate and ask for aid. Always put safety first. If the fire is huge or unmanageable, flee the area immediately and notify the fire service.
• Prevent breathing fumes: Toxic fumes are produced during lithium battery fires, so stay a safe distance and avoid breathing them.

2. Handling smaller lithium-ion battery fires.

• Move to a secure, open location: If possible and safe, relocate the gadget outside of combustible areas.
• Use water to cool the battery. Smaller lithium-ion batteries may frequently be extinguished by dousing them with water or drowning them in a pail of water.
• Alternative agents include foam, CO2, ABC dry chemical, powdered graphite, copper powder, and soda.
• Smothering: If an extinguisher is not accessible, huge quantities of sand, baking soda, or dry cement might be used to extinguish the fire and cool the battery.

3. Putting out bigger lithium-ion battery fires

• It is advisable to use specialized extinguishers. These flames are normally classified as Class B, and agents such as F500 fire extinguisher agent are quite successful at putting them out.
• Water for cooling and containment: In bigger flames, significant volumes of water can be used to cool the surrounding surfaces and prevent the fire from spreading to other combustibles. According to Hazard Control Technologies, the purpose is to cool the battery and its surrounds rather than extinguishing it.
• Allow it to burn out, if necessary: If the fire cannot be extinguished, leaving it to burn out in a safe, outside place may be the most prudent alternative.

4. Managing lithium-metal battery fires

• Class D extinguishers are important: Lithium-metal batteries necessitate the use of a Class D fire extinguisher, which contains a particular mixture for flammable metals like lithium.
• Never use foam or water. Water can react severely with lithium metal, exacerbating the fire or creating an explosion. Water or foam should not be used to extinguish a lithium metal fire.

Tips on Preventing Lithium Battery Fires

Here's some good news: most lithium battery fires can be prevented.

• Use the charger that came with your device or one from the same brand.
• Don't charge batteries overnight or while you're away.
• Keep the area ventilated, charging in a cramped drawer is a bad idea.
• Store batteries in a cool, dry place (ideally between 40–70°F).
• Don't leave devices on dashboards or near heaters.
• For long-term storage, keep them partially charged (around 50%).
• Watch for bulging, cracks, or leaks. Those are warning signs.
• Don't toss old batteries in the trash, they're a hazard. Use proper disposal programs.
• If you run a business with battery storage, schedule regular inspections of your fire suppression system.

Final Thoughts

Lithium battery fires are no joke. They burn hotter, last longer, and come with risks that regular fires don't. The good news is, once you understand how they work, you can prepare.

• Standard extinguishers won't cut it.
• Encapsulators, aerosols, and fire blankets can help—but usually together, not alone.
• Prevention through smart charging, proper storage, and regular checks is the best strategy.

If you're running solar storage, EV setups, or even just charging multiple e-bikes at home, investing in the right protection isn't optional—it's peace of mind. Explore Renogy lithium batteries and solar kits to build safe, efficient energy solutions.

FAQs About Lithium Battery Fires

Can water extinguish a lithium battery fire?

Water can be used to fight a lithium battery fire, but it won't put it out by itself. Its main role is to cool the battery and prevent the chain reaction known as thermal runaway. While water can help suppress external flames, it's not a definitive solution and should be applied in large quantities to be effective.

What extinguisher should I use for lithium-ion batteries?

For lithium battery fires, a standard ABC or CO2 extinguisher is not recommended. Instead, use an extinguisher specifically designed for these fires. An encapsulator agent extinguisher like F-500 EA or a certified lithium-ion fire model is best. Aerosol units like Stat-X are also effective, as they are designed to suppress fire and cool the battery's core.

Are fire blankets effective on lithium battery fires?

Fire blankets can be useful as a temporary containment measure for lithium battery fires. They help to suppress external flames and stop the fire from spreading to surrounding materials. However, a blanket does not address the internal heat buildup or stop thermal runaway. It can create a false sense of security, as the battery can reignite after the blanket is removed.

How can I prevent a lithium battery fire?

The best way to handle a lithium battery fire is to prevent it from happening in the first place. This can be done by using the right charger for your device, avoiding overcharging, and storing batteries in a cool, dry place. For businesses with large-scale battery storage, following NFPA and UL codes is essential to ensure safety.