Slinger, Wis. – October 28, 2025 — A recent lithium-ion battery fire in Hartford, Wisconsin, has reignited awareness of the growing dangers associated with damaged or dismantled batteries — and the urgent need for suppression tools designed specifically to handle them.
On September 5, the Hartford Fire Department responded to a blaze caused by children dismantling an iPad inside a South Street home. According to officials, the situation could have escalated quickly had firefighters not used StaySafe Spray, a lithium-ion battery fire suppressant distributed by Fire Suppression Solutions, based in nearby Slinger.
“Traditional fire extinguishers cannot put out lithium-ion battery fires,” said Amy Scheu, CEO of Fire Suppression Solutions. “They may appear to cool or contain the flames, but the cells can reignite minutes or even hours later. That’s why specialized suppression agents are critical.”
At Fire Suppression Solutions’ Slinger testing facility, Scheu and her team routinely conduct controlled tests on lithium-ion batteries from everyday devices like laptops, cell phones, and power tools to demonstrate just how unpredictable these fires can be — especially when batteries are damaged, overheated, or overcharged.
“The batteries themselves are safe when used properly,” Scheu explained. “It’s when they’re compromised that the risk skyrockets. Overheating, using off-brand chargers, or tampering with devices can all trigger thermal runaway — a dangerous chemical reaction that can’t be stopped with water or standard extinguishers.”
Beyond visible flames, Scheu warns of another hidden danger: toxic gas release.
“A lot of people think it’s just smoke,” she said. “But lithium-ion fires emit hydrogen fluoride gas, which can damage the lungs and skin even in small amounts.”
Fire Suppression Solutions distributes TRF+ Fluid and StaySafe products nationwide to fire departments, businesses, and homeowners. These clean-agent suppressants are engineered to extinguish — not just contain — lithium-ion battery fires safely and effectively.
As lithium-powered devices become more common in homes, workplaces, and recycling streams, Scheu emphasizes the importance of awareness, preparedness, and access to the right tools.
“From tablets to e-bikes to power tools — lithium-ion batteries are everywhere,” she said. “Our goal is to make sure that every home and fire department has the resources to handle these incidents safely before they turn catastrophic.”
StaySafe lithium-ion fire suppressant sprays are available online, at Batteries Plus locations and website, and at Fire Suppression Solutions’ headquarters in Slinger. Each unit retails for $30 and is designed for one-time, full-bottle use to ensure total extinguishment.