Lithium-ion battery fires are commonly caused by a chain reaction known as 'thermal runaway', which occurs when a lithium-ion battery cell produces more heat than is being dispersed.
Why do lithium ion batteries catch fire?
Why do lithium-ion batteries catch fire? Lithium-ion battery cells combine a flammable electrolyte with significant stored energy, and if a lithium-ion battery cell creates more heat than it can effectively disperse, it can lead to a rapid uncontrolled release of heat energy, known as 'thermal runaway', that can result in a fire or explosion.
What are lithium ion fires?
Lithium-ion fires are fires that have started inside lithium-ion batteries. These often occur when a lithium-ion battery generates heat from charging when the cells are slightly malformed.
What happens if a lithium-ion battery fire breaks out?
When a lithium-ion battery fire breaks out, the damage can be extensive. These fires are not only intense, they are also long-lasting and potentially toxic. What causes these fires? Most electric vehicles humming along Australian roads are packed with lithium-ion batteries.
Can a lithium-ion battery fire be extinguished?
In all circumstances, only suitably trained personnel/emergency-responders should attempt to extinguish early-stage lithium-ion battery fires, when it is safe to do so. As lithium-ion battery fires create their own oxygen during thermal runaway, they are very difficult for fire and rescue services to deal with.
Over the past four years, insurance companies have changed the status of Lithium-ion batteries and the devices which contain them, from being an emerging fire risk to a recognised risk, therefore those responsible for fire safety in workplaces and public spaces need a much better understanding of this risk, and how best to mitigate it.
Can a lithium ion battery fire be prevented?
Lithium-ion battery fires are typically caused by thermal runaway, where internal temperatures rise uncontrollably. Lithium-ion battery fires can be prevented through careful handling, proper storage and regular monitoring. Fire extinguishers explicitly designed for lithium-ion battery fires are the best to use.