Firefighters are sounding the alarm regarding intense, fast-burning fires in lithium batteries found in e-bikes at individuals’ residences (such as incidents in Toronto and Peterborough, Ont., this week) and large storage batteries at a P.E.I. solar farm last month.
Concerns over lithium battery fires have prompted bans on electric bikes and cars in certain buildings, public transit, and ferries, creating challenges for individuals dependent on these modes of transportation and causing some to hesitate in adopting electric vehicles.
This week marks Fire Prevention Week, with lithium batteries as the focal point. Let’s delve into the complexities of lithium battery fires and strategies to mitigate associated risks.
Canadian fire departments do not consistently track lithium battery fires, but estimates from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs indicate around 1,500 fires initiated by lithium batteries in 600 communities nationwide last year. Paul Boissonneault, the association’s president and chief of the Oakville Fire Department, notes a significant rise in such incidents paralleling the increased usage of lithium battery-powered devices.
While lithium battery fires are prevalent in household devices like e-bikes and e-scooters, occurrences involving EV and energy storage batteries are less common due to stringent testing and safety features. Although Canada lacks nationwide EV fire statistics, data from the U.S. suggests that EV fires are exceptionally rare compared to gas-powered vehicle fires.
Lithium battery fires are often triggered by punctures in the barrier that separates the battery’s positive and negative terminals, leading to short circuits. These breaches can result from wear and tear over time, physical damage, or overheating caused by improper charging practices or external heat sources.
Lithium battery fires pose unique dangers compared to other types of fires, burning hotter and faster due to thermal runaway, a phenomenon where heat accelerates chemical reactions within the battery. This can escalate into an explosive chain reaction, making extinguishing such fires challenging.
Furthermore, lithium battery fires generate their own oxygen, sustained by metal oxides breaking down during combustion and releasing oxygen gas. Toxic substances like hydrogen fluoride and heavy metals are also produced, posing health risks for firefighters and necessitating post-fire decontamination measures.
These fires can reignite after hours, days, or weeks due to thermal runaway and oxygen generation, emphasizing the importance of cautious handling and storage post-incident. Firefighters may feel ill-equipped to handle such fires, highlighting the need for specialized training, equipment, and decontamination protocols.
To reduce the risks associated with lithium batteries, consumers are advised to purchase certified batteries with safety labels, charge devices correctly on non-combustible surfaces, and use appropriate chargers. Recycling damaged batteries at designated drop-off sites is crucial to prevent potential hazards and environmental contamination.
In conclusion, lithium battery fires present distinct challenges and require tailored mitigation strategies to ensure public safety and effective emergency response.
