Fire risk from lithium-ion batteries: fire brigades on alert!

fires from lithium-ion batteries increase and increasingly employ the fire brigades in Germany. Technical defects or improper use can lead to dangerous situations. Examples show this danger: In July 2024, an e-scooter battery in Mühlheim exploded, which resulted in several injuries and caused a damage of 200,000 euros. In March 2024 there was a fire in Eschwege due to an e-bike battery. Another incident occurred in August 2024 when a defective battery caused a basement fire in Bruchköbel. A fire in the fire station Stadtallendorf in October 2024, which was triggered by batteries on an emergency vehicle and caused damage in a double -digit millions, was particularly dramatic.

The high energy density The battery leads to a quick fire spread, and toxic substances can be released in malfunctions. Experts recommend only using original chargers and batteries and not unattended or loading overnight. Mechanical damage should be avoided. In the event of a fire, it is important to extinguish the battery with water, to leave the apartment, to alert the fire brigade under 112 and to warn others. It is pointed out that the battery should not be moved itself because poisonous gases can escape.

warning signs and security measures

batteries should be stored cool and dry, far from combustible materials. Warning signs for defective batteries are overheating or inflation. When contacted with the electrolyte, the affected skin area should be rinsed with lots of water and a doctor should be consulted. In the past, the Wiesbaden fire brigade has had to do with battery-related fires several times. The risk of fire also affects waste disposal companies, especially in the event of improper disposal of batteries. These should not be disposed of in residual waste, but in retail or recycling center.

lithium-ion batteries can be found in many devices such as smartphones, tablets, e-scooters, e-bikes and vacuum robots. They are quickly rechargeable and have a high energy density, which makes them ideal for small devices. However, there is a risk of inflammation, which can be caused by improper storage, heat or open flames. Symptoms of damage are bumps, bloated batteries, fast temperature rising when charging and sudden discharges. Defective batteries should be replaced immediately and no longer used. Deformed lithium-ion batteries that hand over gas and smoke represent an acute risk of fire.

thermal loads due to too low or too high temperatures can also lead to fires. Apple recommends a storage temperature between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius for iPhones. Low discharge can damage cells and trigger self -inflammation. Damage, overload or overheating can result in uncontrolled release of stored energy, which can lead to explosions. It is also advisable not to delete battery beaches yourself and call the fire brigade. Smaller fires, such as those from cell phones, can be deleted with water, but caution must be advised because water reacts with lithium.

Suitable personal protective equipment should be worn in the fight against fire because the dangers are high. Only fire extinguishers with high cooling capacity are suitable; ABC or CO2 powder are unsuitable. After a fire, batteries in water basin or suitable containers should be stored safely. In offices in particular, the fire risk of lithium-ion batteries is often underestimated. In the event of a fire, the battery burns as long as energy is available in the cells. Therefore, structural, technical and organizational fire protection measures are necessary. Only original chargers should be used for safe charging. If overheating or loading problems are recognizable, an exchange of the battery is required. Damaged batteries may not be opened because they contain toxic components and lithium-ion batteries may not be disposed of in household waste.