What to Do If a Lithium Battery Catches Fire?

Though lithium batteries offer exceptional performance and efficiency, improper use, poor quality, or any damage may cause serious fire hazards. Therefore, it is as important to understand how to respond in case of a lithium battery fire as how to use your battery safely.

Safety is not optional at Renogy—it is a priority. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are known for their superior chemical and thermal stability. Therefore, we use LiFePO4 batteries in our power solutions to reduce the risk of combustion or overheating.

Whether you need batteries to power your off-grid system, boat, or RV, you will find Renogy LiFePO4 batteries highly efficient and reliable.

What Exactly is a Lithium Battery Fire?

One of the common causes of lithium battery fires is thermal runaway, when your battery cells become unstable and overheat. Exposing your battery to high temperatures, manufacturing defects, physical damage, or overcharging may cause thermal runaway. When the temperature of a single battery cell reaches a critical level, it may ignite and spread heat to the cells around. This is how a cascading effect is triggered that may escalate into a fire or an explosion.

Wondering why lithium ion battery fires are dangerous and unique? Below is a list of a few reasons.

Greater energy means more intense fires
Water extinguishers may not be safe or effective.
A battery can catch fire without any spark or external flame.
Internal pressure buildup may cause sudden battery bursts.

The Most Common Causes of Lithium Battery Fires

Lithium battery fires do not usually happen, but when it does, they can be dangerous. However, the leading causes are mostly preventable, especially in off-grid solar systems, vans, and RVs. Whether you want to wire a DIY solar project or charge a power station, understanding what can lead to fire is crucial. Below is a list of real-world and most frequent lithium ion battery fire causes that every battery user should know.

1. Physical Damage

When a lithium battery, a device connected to the battery, or a power station is dropped, it may rupture the internal structure. If you can't see any external damage, thermal runaway may still happen due to any sort of internal cell instability. As a result, your lithium battery can catch fire or explode.

2. Overcharging

This is another leading issue behind a lithium ion battery that catches fire. It usually happens due to faulty solar charge controllers or incompatible battery chargers. A lithium battery can overheat if it is pushed beyond its voltage limits. It is more likely to happen if the battery has no built-in protection system. It is common in solar setups where mismatched or cheap components are frequently used.

3. Short Circuits

This problem is more common in DIY installations where exposed terminals, improper wiring, or loose connections create paths for direct current. Rapid heat can be generated due to these shortcuts. It is one of the leading problems of lithium battery fires in vans and RVs.

4. Extreme Temperatures

Extreme weather conditions can also be an issue. If a lithium battery is stored in an enclosed compartment where heat can't escape, it may compromise the chemical stability of your battery. Similarly, charging your batteries in freezing conditions can also be a problem.

5. Counterfeit or Low-Quality Batteries

Low-quality lithium batteries lack certified standards, overcharge protection, and thermal regulation. Therefore, they may fail under stress.

Lithium battery fires are extremely hot, fast, and unpredictable. A small event can even turn into an emergency within minutes. Therefore, if you know how to respond quickly to this situation, it can save lives. Here is what you should do if a lithium battery catches fire.

1. Evacuate Immediately

The very first thing you should do is to protect yourself from the fire, as it may spread due to thermal runaway and release toxic fumes. Don't try to handle or move the battery. If you are in an enclosed area like a cabin, RV, or van, evacuate and move immediately to a safe place.

2. Call Emergency Services

Once you reach the safe spot, call your local emergency services or 911. Even if the fire is manageable and small, make sure you call for emergency services help. Lithium ion battery fire usually reignites and may worsen in no time; therefore, professional help is something you can't take for granted.

3. Don't Use a Standard Extinguisher or Water

People usually try to arrange water or a fire extinguisher to stop the fire, but it can further worsen the situation. Standard extinguishers are not very effective for lithium battery fires. Especially, extinguishers rated for Class A or B are ineffective in dealing with battery fires.

Similarly, the use of water may lead to a violent reaction if your lithium battery is exposed or damaged. Lithium fire blankets and specialized Class D fire extinguishers are ideal for dealing with lithium battery fires. If they are not available, evacuate the place of incident immediately, call for emergency services, and wait for their help.

4. Ventilate the Area from a Distance (If Possible)

Once you evacuate, ventilate the area only if it is practical and safe. Opening roof vents or windows will help reduce gas buildup and reduce smoke. Moreover, do not re-enter that place until the emergency personnel allow you to do so.

How Do Renogy LiFePO4 Batteries Reduce Fire Risk?

Lithium iron phosphate batteries offered by Renogy are manufactured with greater safety, which is why they reduce fire risk better than standard lithium ion batteries available in the market. Due to their superior chemical and thermal stability, Renogy lithium batteries don't usually experience thermal runaway.

The best part? These batteries perform well in extreme conditions, such as physical damage, overcharging, and high temperatures.

Moreover, Renogy batteries come with the advanced Battery Management System (BMS) that offers real-time protection against deep discharging, overcharging, short circuits, and overheating. These smart safeguards are especially important for your solar setups, RVs, and vans.

Furthermore, Renogy batteries ensure peace of mind whether you live in an off-grid environment or are on the road, as they are tested and certified to meet global safety standards.

Renogy Pro S1 Series LiFePO4 Batteries Is Launched. Get Your Early Bird Perks Now!

Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: Myth vs. Reality

There is a lot of misinformation and fear about lithium battery fires. Though it is true they can be unsafe under specific conditions, it does not mean that they are not safe for regular use. Below is a list of some common myths and their realities. Let's look at them one by one.

Myth 1: Lithium-ion batteries are unsafe.

Reality: Lithium-ion batteries are very safe if used properly. They are used in a variety of applications, including electric vehicles, smartphones, cameras, and laptops. Premium-quality batteries with built-in protection (like Renogy LiFePO4 battery series) can resist short-circuiting, overcharging, overheating, and other similar issues.

Myth 2: You can use any compatible charger for a lithium-ion battery.

Reality: Always use the battery charger recommended by the manufacturer. A poorly regulated or incompatible charger may cause several issues, like increasing fire risk, overcharging, and triggering thermal runaway. These issues are more common in mobile power systems and solar setups. Choosing the right battery charger not only improves safety but also extends your battery life.

Myth 3: Damaged batteries are not a threat unless they are on fire.

Reality: Even if the damaged battery is not actively burning, it can burn hours or days later. Therefore, if you see a swollen or punctured battery, ensure you dispose of or isolate it immediately. If a battery is dropped or damaged during transport, it may look fine, but internal cell instability may build up. It may lead to catching fire in the near future.

Myth 4: Fires only happen in cheap electronics.

Reality: It is true that counterfeit or low-quality lithium batteries are more risky; even premium-quality batteries can catch fire if not handled or stored properly. When a premium battery experiences improper wiring, moisture, or extreme heat, there is always a risk of catching fire.

Myth 5: Cold weather prevents battery fires.

Reality: If the lithium batteries are charged below their safe temperature range, cold weather can be dangerous for them. When the batteries are recharged later, cold weather may make batteries ignite or fail.

Final Thoughts

Lithium battery fires are dangerous, but they are not common. Avoid exposing them to high temperatures, moisture, or extreme weather conditions, as prevention is always the best defence. You should be familiar with potential warning signs, such as excessive heat, bulging, swelling, unusual odor, cracking sound, smoke, or leaking fluid.

If you notice any of these warning signs, the first thing you should do is to evacuate immediately, ventilate the affected area if possible, and call 911 or your local emergency services for professional assistance. Always choose reputable battery brands like Renogy to avoid experiencing safety issues, follow the best installation practices, and prioritize safety, especially in mobile power systems and off-grid solar setups.