For Li-ION batteries

1. Prevention: storage and charging

The cheapest solution is for the fire never to start, or never to spread. This is what fire-resistant storage and charging bags are for (for e-bike and e-scooter batteries, power tools, phones), as well as fire-safe storage and transport boxes — some of them filled with extinguishing granulate — and battery storage shelving systems for places where many batteries are stored or charged at once. For larger quantities, or for collecting damaged batteries, storage containers are also available.

2. Early warning

Thermal runaway does not happen from one moment to the next: the cell heats up first. A temperature-monitoring system can signal this even hours before ignition, while there is still time to move the battery away from the danger area. For charging stations, battery warehouses and service centres, this is the investment with the best return.

3. If it is already burning

Extinguishing agent: a conventional ABC powder extinguisher is not suitable for this. There are extinguishers developed specifically for lithium battery and metal fires, which work by cooling and sealing the cells. We have written a separate article in the Knowledge Base about the differences between extinguishing agents.

Fire blanket: in a battery fire, the blanket does not extinguish but smothers and limits spread: the damaged battery burns out in a controlled way while the blanket holds back the flame, sparks and most of the smoke. The range extends from the 150x150 cm size suitable for an e-scooter up to the 600x800 cm size that covers an entire passenger car.

Granulate: seals the cells off from air and absorbs heat. It is also used to isolate and transport damaged batteries, poured into a box.

What to watch for in everyday use?

• Never charge unattended, and especially not while sleeping. Most house fires start during charging.
• Do not charge on an escape route. An e-scooter charging in the hallway can block the exit in case of fire.
• Never charge a damaged, dented or swollen battery, and do not store it indoors either.
• Only use the manufacturer's charger. Cheap, universal chargers can cause thermal runaway through overcharging.
• Unplug after charging.

What to do if a battery is heating up or smoking?

If it is not yet on fire and you can safely do so, take it outdoors, away from combustible materials. If it is already burning, do not try to extinguish it with water or powder; instead, call the fire brigade and tell them it is a lithium-ion battery. If you have a suitable fire blanket, you can use it to prevent the fire from spreading. The smoke is highly toxic, so ventilate the area and keep people away.

Frequently asked questions

What can extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire?

Fully extinguishing it is difficult because the process generates its own oxygen. In practice, the goal is cooling and preventing spread: this is what gel extinguishers, fire blankets and granulate are for. An ABC powder extinguisher is not suitable for this.

What is thermal runaway?

A self-reinforcing process in which the heat from one cell also heats the neighbouring cells until they fail as well. Once started, it is hard to stop, and a battery that appears to have gone out can reignite hours later.

Where should I store my e-scooter battery?

In a dry, cool place, away from combustible materials, preferably in a fire-resistant bag or box, and not on an escape route.

What should I buy for a service centre or warehouse with many batteries?

For storage, a shelving system or storage box; for early detection, a temperature monitoring system; and for intervention, a fire blanket and gel extinguisher. Let us know how many batteries and what area is involved, and we will put together a proposal.