The Growing Concerns of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: Everything You Need To Know

Lithium-ion batteries power everything from mobile phones and laptops to electric vehicles and power tools. Lithium batteries are becoming indispensable in modern life. These batteries offer great advantages such as a long lifespan, high energy density and perceived ‘environmental friendliness’. Despite their widespread use, lithium batteries pose significant risks such as fires and explosions.

Recent reports, including a paper published by CROSS in collaboration with the Fire Protection Association, have highlighted critical concerns about the fire safety risks associated with lithium batteries. In 2024, there were 921 fires related to lithium-ion batteries, a 46% increase from 2023. Let’s explore the concerns surrounding these batteries, focusing on the fire hazards they pose, thermal runaway, and how to minimise battery fire risks.

What Is Thermal Runaway?

The most common danger associated with lithium-ion batteries is a phenomenon referred to as thermal runaway. This refers to a self-sustaining chain reaction within the battery that causes a rapid increase in temperature. Once thermal runaway begins, the battery is likely to overheat, leak flammable electrolytes, emit toxic gases and even explode! The results can be catastrophic, especially in enclosed spaces such as homes, planes, offices and cars.

What Causes Thermal Runaway?

Overcharging: Charging a lithium battery beyond its capacity leads to excessive heat buildup, which then increases the risk of thermal runaway.

Short-Circuiting: A short circuit caused by damage or manufacturing defects can cause the internal components of the battery to overheat, increasing the chance of catching fire.

Overheating: Leaving batteries in high temperatures can lead to dangerous reactions within the battery. Avoid leaving your phones outside in the hot weather.

If thermal runaway is triggered, the battery can release toxic and highly-flammable vapours which adds an extra complication to extinguishing the fire. Lithium battery fires are difficult to contain and put out as they continue to reignite because of the residual heat even after fire extinguishing methods are used. Even for fire fighting crews, lithium-ion fires can be a challenge to stop.

Fire Risks In Everyday Electricals

Lithium-ion batteries are used in everyday devices such as phones, laptops, power tools, and even some toys. While most of these items are generally safe, the fire risk increases greatly when batteries become damaged, through overcharging or being left out in extreme heat.

With renewable energy sources such as solar panels becoming more popular, there is more widespread use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in domestic and commercial properties. These energy storage systems store significant amounts of electrical energy. If something goes wrong, such as a malfunction, incorrect installation or poor maintenance, the resulting lithium battery fire can be huge and almost impossible to manage. Due to the size and scale of the storage systems, the subsequent fires can affect an entire neighbourhood.

Preventing Lithium-Ion Fires Can Be Challenging

Preventing lithium battery fires requires a complex approach that includes proactive safety measures and preparedness for fire-related emergencies in industrial, commercial and residential buildings. There are several factors that individuals and organisations need to consider to alleviate the risks associated with these batteries:

Follow manufacturing guidelines: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for charging and storage. Using chargers from different manufacturers heightens the risk of battery damage, so only use the manufacturer-approved charger.

Monitor battery health: Regularly check batteries for signs of damage such as discolouration, swelling, warping, and leaking. If your battery is damaged, ensure safe disposal of it.

Safe Storage: Store your battery in a cool, dry place away from any flammable materials and heat sources to prevent battery failure.

Ensure fire safety laws are implemented: In industrial and commercial environments, make sure you have the correct fire suppression systems including lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers, escape routes and adequate training in place for lithium fires. This will minimise the damage caused if a fire does break out.

Balance The Benefits And The Risks Of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries have so many benefits, from powering our electronic devices such as smartphones to enabling us to drive electric vehicles, but that doesn’t come without potential risk. As the demand for lithium batteries grows, it’s important to understand the associated risks and how to minimise them, especially when it comes to battery fires.

Thermal runaway and the difficulty in controlling lithium-fuelled fires once they break out needs to be understood to prevent further physical damage to people and property in the future. By being informed about the risks and the steps you can take to prevent incidents, we can make sure that lithium-ion batteries can still be used positively in the future.

As highlighted in recent research by the FPA and CROSS, fire safety measures must evolve in line with the growing demand and presence of these batteries in our everyday lives. Awareness, preparation and education are the key factors in reducing the risks to make sure lithium battery technology can continue to be enjoyed safely without putting lives at risk.

If you would like to expand your knowledge about fire safety, we believe that expert education and knowledge are vital to ensuring a safer future.