What kind of fire extinguisher should you use for a lithium battery fire in commercial facilities? Get expert fire safety tips and solutions from DynaFire.
Lithium battery fires are becoming a serious concern in commercial facilities where electronic equipment, backup power systems, and specialized tools are widely used. What kind of fire extinguisher should you use for a lithium battery fire? The answer is essential for protecting your building, staff, and operations. This guide explains the risks and outlines the right fire extinguishers to keep on hand.
The Unique Challenges of Lithium Battery Fires
Lithium battery fires differ from standard fire incidents. They can:
- Burn at extremely high temperatures
- Reignite even after being extinguished
- Release toxic and flammable gases
These fires are often caused by thermal runaway, where overheating spreads from one battery cell to another in a chain reaction. Because of this, lithium battery fires can’t always be controlled using traditional extinguishers.
Why Regular Fire Extinguishers May Not Work
Standard ABC fire extinguishers are effective for common Class A (combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), and Class C (electrical) fires. However, they’re not built to address the chemical reactions inside lithium batteries.
Using an ABC extinguisher might suppress the flames temporarily, but it won’t cool the cells enough to prevent reignition. In some cases, the extinguishing agent can even react with the lithium, creating further hazards.
This raises the common question: Will a fire extinguisher put out a lithium battery fire? The answer is yes—but only if you’re using the correct type of extinguisher.
The Right Type of Fire Extinguisher for Lithium Battery Fires
The most effective options for commercial facilities include:
- Class D Fire Extinguishers – Specifically designed for fires involving metals, including those with lithium. They use a dry powder agent that smothers the fire and helps prevent reignition.
- AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) Extinguishers – These create a cooling barrier, lowering the chance of thermal runaway and reducing the oxygen supply fueling the fire.
Having the right extinguisher available in facilities with heavy reliance on lithium battery-powered equipment is critical for safety and compliance.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher on a Lithium Battery Fire
If a lithium battery fire occurs:
- Call emergency services immediately.
- Wear proper protective equipment, including a respirator if available.
- Aim the extinguisher at the base of the flames.
- Apply in a sweeping motion to cover the burning material fully.
- Continue monitoring the area for reignition and reapply as needed.
Always evacuate staff and occupants before attempting suppression, and only use extinguishers if it is safe to do so.
Prevention Tips for Facilities
Proactive fire prevention is the best defense against lithium battery incidents. Facility managers should:
- Use manufacturer-approved chargers and power supplies.
- Avoid leaving batteries charging overnight or unattended.
- Store lithium-powered equipment in cool, ventilated areas.
- Replace damaged, swollen, or leaking batteries immediately.
- Train staff on handling, storage, and disposal best practices.
Strengthening Facility Safety with Fire Systems
In addition to proper fire extinguishers, commercial facilities should have multiple layers of fire protection:
- Fire Alarm Systems: Ensure early detection of smoke or fire.
- Fire Alarm Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring for immediate emergency response.
- Fire Sprinkler Systems: Critical for large facilities and high-risk areas.
- Fire Suppression Systems: Provides targeted suppression for equipment rooms, labs, and battery storage spaces.
- Fire Extinguishers: Ensure your team has the right extinguishers available and maintained for lithium fire risks.
Where to Buy the Right Fire Extinguishers
Class D and AFFF fire extinguishers are available from certified fire safety suppliers. Facility managers should ensure:
- Extinguishers meet regulatory safety standards.
- All units are inspected and maintained regularly.
- Staff are trained in proper use.
Visit DynaFire’s Fire Extinguishers page to explore solutions tailored to your facility’s specific needs.
Partner With Experts in Commercial Fire Safety
What kind of fire extinguisher should you use for a lithium battery fire? This knowledge is an essential first step—but it’s just one piece of a larger fire safety strategy. At DynaFire, we provide comprehensive protection for commercial facilities, including fire extinguisher services, fire suppression systems, monitoring, and more.
Don’t wait until a fire emergency happens. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your facility is equipped for lithium battery fire safety and beyond.
