Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety Guide

Lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones and laptops to e-bikes, electric vehicles, and home energy storage systems. As their use has expanded, so have the fires and explosions caused by battery malfunctions. Understanding how to prevent and respond to these fires is increasingly essential.

Battery fires occur when the separator between positive and negative electrodes is damaged—through physical impact, overcharging, overheating, or manufacturing defects—causing a short circuit that triggers thermal runaway. Once started, thermal runaway is extremely difficult to stop.

Overcharging is one of the most common causes of lithium-ion battery fires. Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and never leave batteries charging unattended or overnight. Damaged, swollen, or overheating batteries should be taken out of service immediately and disposed of properly.

If a lithium-ion battery fire occurs in a small device, do not try to extinguish it with a small extinguisher. Use a Class D extinguisher for metal fires or flood the area with water. For larger battery fires such as in an e-bike or EV, evacuate, call 911, and maintain a safe distance—the fire can reignite repeatedly.