How to Extinguish a Lithium Battery Fire

Why Lithium Battery Fires Are Different

Lithium battery fires are among the most dangerous and difficult fires to extinguish. Unlike conventional fires, they involve a self-sustaining chemical reaction inside the battery cells that can reignite hours — or even days — after the initial fire appears to be out. Standard water, CO₂, or dry powder extinguishers are largely ineffective and can even make the situation worse.

Understanding the unique nature of these fires is the first step to responding safely and effectively.

Step-by-Step: How to Respond to a Lithium Battery Fire

1. Evacuate and Call Emergency Services Immediately

Your safety comes first. Lithium battery fires produce toxic fumes including hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and other hazardous gases. Evacuate the area and call 911 (or your local emergency number) before attempting any intervention.

2. Do NOT Use Water Alone

While large volumes of water can cool a battery pack in some industrial scenarios, applying water to a burning lithium battery in a consumer or EV context can cause violent steam explosions and spread burning electrolyte. Do not use a standard garden hose or bucket of water.

3. Do NOT Use Standard Dry Powder or CO₂ Extinguishers

These extinguishers are designed for Class A, B, or C fires. They cannot penetrate the battery casing to address the internal chemical reaction. The fire will appear suppressed but will reignite — sometimes explosively.

4. Use an AVD (Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion) Extinguisher

AVD extinguishers are specifically engineered for lithium battery fires. The AVD agent coats the battery cells, absorbs heat, and forms a protective barrier that prevents reignition. It is the only commercially available agent proven to safely suppress lithium battery fires without causing secondary hazards.

For most EV, e-bike, and energy storage applications, we recommend the 6L AVD Lithium Ion Battery Fire Extinguisher — sized for effective suppression of battery fires in vehicles and commercial settings.

5. Keep the Area Clear After Suppression

Even after the fire appears out, maintain a safe perimeter. Thermal runaway can cause reignition. Do not touch or move the battery until emergency services have confirmed it is safe.

6. Use an AVD Fire Blanket for Containment

If the fire is in its early stages and the battery is accessible (such as an e-bike or power tool battery), a Lithium Battery AVD Fire Blanket can be used to contain the fire, suppress flames, and prevent spread while you wait for emergency services.

What NOT to Do

  • Do not attempt to move a burning EV or battery pack
  • Do not use sand — it provides no cooling and can trap heat
  • Do not re-enter a smoke-filled area
  • Do not assume the fire is out just because flames are no longer visible

Be Prepared Before a Fire Starts

The best time to prepare for a lithium battery fire is before one happens. Ensure your facility, fleet, or home has the right equipment on hand:

The Bottom Line

Lithium battery fires demand a specialized response. Standard firefighting equipment is not enough. Equipping yourself with AVD-rated extinguishers and fire blankets — and knowing how to use them — can mean the difference between a contained incident and a catastrophic loss.

Have questions about the right equipment for your situation? Contact our team — we're here to help.

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