Issue 

The fire service must lead the discussion

of safety surrounding lithium-ion (LI)

batteries and other alternative energy

sources. As lithium-ion battery powered

products grow increasingly prevalent, the

fire service’s trusted voice and unique

insight can engage all stakeholders in

understanding the associated risks and

work to ensure policy decisions consider

the safety of our people and

communities. 

While LI batteries are an attractive

option to power our many modern

needs, fire risk increases when they are

damaged or used, stored, or charged

incorrectly. Combined with what we

know of their complex fire risk, their

ubiquitous presence requires the fire

service to turn research and data into

operational considerations quickly. 

LI batteries and emerging alternatives

constitute a significant component of the

drive to reduce emissions worldwide.

They are part of a complex global

ecosystem of multinational agreements

and organizations, geopolitical security

questions, and finite natural resources.

While a daunting task, the fire service

has a central and critical role in ensuring

policy decisions address fire safety risks. 

2023 | U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control 

EV and Energy 

Transition

Impact Areas

Complex Operational Challenges 

Firefighters need to consider the presence of LI batteries in 

all operations, including the risk of faster flashover rates and

increased temperatures. The stored energy in a LI battery

presents the risk of thermal runaway, which can occur when

damaged cells experience uncontrolled increases in

temperature and pressure1. Current research shows that LI

batteries present four hazard scenarios for firefighters:

flammable gas release, flaming, vented deflagrations, and

explosions.2

In addition, LI batteries present response challenges that are

outside of the norm. While LI batteries are engineered to be

safe, the nature of these devices is that they may continue to

hold a charge after being damaged, even if fully submerged in

water. This phenomenon is known as stranded energy3.

However, firefighters are often operating around damaged

equipment, and must always consider the risk that engineered

safety systems and elements are no longer functioning as

intended. Also, fires associated with alternative energy

sources can require personnel and water resources far

exceeding normal expectations, stressing a department’s

ability to maintain resources for all emergencies.

Community Safety 

While our communities are generally aware of risks associated

with their ordinarily benign devices, it is important for the fire

service to adopt fire safety messaging regarding LI batteries

and alternative energy sources to share with the public about

their unique risks. In particular, messaging on these devices’

safe usage, storage, and charging is needed. 

As policy decisions are made regarding what is allowed to be

sold on the U.S. market, the fire service must play a role in

Articulate the need for the fire service to lead and inform the discussion on the fire safety of

lithium-ion batteries and other alternative energy sources within our communities, at all

levels of government, and with industry partners. 
______________________________

1 Safety Risks to Emergency Responders from Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in Electric

Vehicles. National Transportation Safety Board. November 2020.

2 The Science of Fire and Explosion Hazards from Lithium-Ion Batteries. UL/Fire

Safety Research Institute (FSRI). https://fsri.org/lithium-ion-battery-guide. 

3 Safety Risks to Emergency Responders from Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in Electric

Vehicles. National Transportation Safety Board. November 2020. 

discussing the safety of these items, with a specific focus on

the components directly affecting the fire safety of U.S.

communities. 

Need for Research 

Research is being conducted to better understand the

hazards associated with LI batteries and means for

mitigation. However, more research is needed. 

To the extent possible, the fire service must continue to

mitigate exposure to toxic chemicals that fires involving LI

batteries can release. Ongoing research is needed to

understand the new and complex hazards LI batteries can

present, and to provide firefighters with data and

information to inform operational procedures. 

As an emerging technology, there are additional research

questions that the fire service can take the lead in addressing

with its community partners. For example, how do charging

stations fit safely within current zoning and code ordinances?

There is an existing roadway infrastructure built for gasoline

distribution — how do these two systems work together

safely? 

While LI batteries are an emerging technology, the reality is

that the industry is already seeking alternatives. New

technologies will likely seek to increase energy density,

allowing a smaller battery footprint with increased capacity.

It is critical for the fire service to understand the risks of

these new technologies. 

2023 | U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control 

More Information4

What are lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are a type of

rechargeable battery that contains

lithium-ion cells, which are composed of

an anode, cathode, separator, and

electrolyte. This ordinarily stable

electrochemical system provides stored

electrical energy, but mechanical, electrical

and thermal abuses and manufacturing

defects can destabilize the system can

cause thermal runaway. Thermal runaway

typically occurs when an abuse initiates a

short circuit inside a cell. The thermal

runaway process can produce extremely

high temperatures in a chain of chemical

reactions, often rapidly, and this can

induce thermal runaway to propagate to

adjacent cells in a battery pack. In addition

to heat, LI cells produce flammable gases

during thermal runaway, which is what

drives LI fire and explosion hazards.

Where are lithium-ion batteries

found? 

Nearly everywhere. These batteries power

everyday items such as cell phones and

computers. They are found in small to

large transportation options, including 

e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles. 

LI battery energy storage systems are

increasingly prevalent at outdoor

installations supporting utility operations

and should be expected to be installed

outside commercial structures and within

residences. 

Resources

The Science of Fire and Explosion Hazards

from Lithium-Ion Batteries. UL/Fire Safety

Research Institute (FSRI).

https://fsri.org/lithium-ion-battery-guide.

US Fire Administration: Lithium-ion

batteries (fema.gov) 

Global EV Outlook 2023:

https://www.iea.org/reports/global-evoutlook-2023