Lithium-ion battery fires are not ordinary fires. Treat them like a wastebasket fire and you lose time. These events are driven by a self-sustaining chemical chain reaction—thermal runaway—that burns hotter and can re-ignite after visible flames subside. The tactic that matters most isn’t just “put the flames out.” It cools the cells and isolates the area until the reaction stops.
What makes lithium-ion fires different
When a cell is damaged, overcharged, or otherwise stressed, heat inside the cell rises rapidly. The cell vents poisonous vapor gases; neighboring cells can follow. You can extinguish the flame but the chemical reaction continues in the cell, but if the pack remains hot, it can ignite again. That’s the “re-ignition” everyone talks about, and it’s why proper extinguish agent is need for cooling
Traditional dry-chemical extinguishers are not effective in managing lithium-ion battery fires. Although they may offer temporary flame suppression, these extinguishers do not mitigate thermal runaway, which can lead to ongoing heat accumulation and increase the risk of re-ignition within the battery pack.
Do this, in this order
1) Act quickly if you notice heat, chemical smells, swelling, hissing, or vapor.
2) Do not touch or move the device, as this may increase the risk of burns from heat.
3) Evacuate, close the door if safe, clear the room, and call 911. A closed door slows spread of heat and gas. Remove all occupants to fresh air.
What not to do
- Don’t smother with blankets, pillows, or clothing.
- Don’t aim a fan at it (you’ll spread poisonous vapor gases).
- Don’t rely on traditional dry-chem extinguishers. it will not stop the reaction.
Prevention that actually moves the needle
You prevent most incidents long before any smoke with three everyday habits:
Buy Smart
Use devices and power strips that have recognized safety marks. Choose chargers provided by the original manufacturer or those approved for use with the device. Devices that are swollen, crushed, or water-damaged should be retired rather than recharged.
Charge Smart
Place devices on hard, flat surfaces—avoid soft or cluttered areas. Use one power strip per outlet and replace damaged strips. Keep exits clear, charge only when awake, and unplug devices once fully charged. .
Recycle Right
Do not throw batteries in the trash or recycling. Tape terminals, bag loose cells, and take them to a drop-off site. If a device is damaged or was flooded, do not recharge it—dispose of it safely.
What actually works
Thermal runaway is a heat problem, so the solution is cooling the cells while you control the room. That’s why departments, schools, retailers, fleets, and facilities are adopting clean-agent suppression built for lithium-ion—for example, TRF+, a proprietary, field-tested fluid and UL-recognized component chemistry formulated to interrupt the reaction and reduce re-ignition risk.
Where it fits: TRF+ comes in portable aerosols, 6-liter handheld extinguishers, fully stocked emergency response kits, and bulk fluid for maintenance programs—so you can stage point-of-use tools at charging tables and carts, equip rooms where e-bikes/scooters or device carts live, and carry response kits on apparatus or service vehicles. It’s already deployed across schools and campuses, municipal and fleet garages, retail back rooms, warehouses, multi-family properties, and office/IT spaces.
Save this line
If you notice heat, odor, swelling, hissing, or smoke, do not touch the area. Close the door, leave the premises, and contact emergency services at 911.
If you have the appropriate equipment and conditions are safe, proceed to cool the battery pack and prepare for potential re-ignition until temperatures remain stable.
This guidance has been translated into clear, printable documents suitable for use in homes, classrooms, and workplaces.
Check out our Fire Prevention Week Resource Hub for free downloads on safe charging, activities, and checklists that will help you and your community buy smart, charge smart, recycle right.
It is essential to adhere to local policies, manufacturer guidelines, and directions provided by first responders on site.