What to Do in Case of a Lithium-Ion Battery Fire
Lithium-ion batteries power most of our devices—from phones to e-bikes, but they can catch fire if damaged, overcharged, or exposed to heat. These fires are different because of thermal runaway, a chain reaction that can cause the battery to reignite even after the flames are out.
First Steps
- Call emergency services and evacuate the area immediately.
- Be aware of stranded electricity, treat every battery as an electrocution hazard
Small Devices (Phones, Laptops)
- Unplug and move the device away from anything flammable.
- If safe, move it outdoors and douse with water or submerge in a water-filled container.
Larger Batteries (E-bikes, Power Tools)
- Call for help immediately. Large battery fires can escalate quickly.
- If trained, use an extinguisher to control open flames.
- Keep cooling with water even after the fire appears out to prevent re-ignition.
Important Reminders
- Toxic fumes: Avoid smoke; move to a safe distance.
- Cooling matters most: Water is the most effective way to stop thermal runaway.
- Dispose safely: Water used to extinguish should be treated as contaminated waste.
- Stranded Electricity: Depending on the state of charge the cells may have a significant amount of electrical energy stored which can pose a serious hazard.
- Battery use: Always use the charger designated for the battery, just because the wire fits the battery does not mean it is suitable.
From a fire engineering standpoint, the focus is not just on extinguishing but on cooling and containment. Even small lithium-ion fires should be treated with caution—they can reignite hours later.
The essential part of battery safety is prevention. Storing and using batteries as intending by the manufacturer can prevent these incidents from happening in the first place.