Lithium-Ion Batteries: Determining a Course of Action

By By Scott Lancaster, Deputy State Fire Marshal

The fire service has been faced with many challenges regarding rechargeable batteries- most directly associated with lithium-ion batteries that are found powering many items today. You can find them in anything from cellphones, tablets, laptops, and vaping materials, to electric vehicles (EV). The challenges include what to do when a lithium-ion battery overheats or is damaged. These types of problems can create what is called “thermal runaway” when the battery, or a cell, enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state.                        
Read 4Q 2023 Fireline