The IAFC Lithium-Ion Battery Committee serves as the association’s subject-matter authority on lithium-ion batteries, energy storage systems, and emerging energy technologies affecting the fire and emergency service.
The committee works to advance firefighter safety, community risk reduction, education, and sound public policy across the full lifecycle of these technologies—from manufacturing and consumer use to transportation, storage, emergency response, post-incident handling, and end-of-life recycling.
Through collaboration with fire service organizations, government agencies, standards organizations, and industry experts, the committee helps ensure first responders and communities are prepared for the rapidly evolving risks associated with new energy technologies.
Committee Scope
The committee addresses current and emerging energy technologies that present challenges or opportunities for the fire and emergency service, including:
- Lithium-ion and next-generation battery technologies, including sodium-ion, solid-state, and flow batteries
- Stationary and mobile energy storage systems (ESS/BESS)
- Electric vehicles
- E-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices
- Hydrogen and fuel-cell systems
- Charging infrastructure
- Codes, standards, and built-environment considerations
As technologies evolve, the committee monitors emerging risks and adapts its priorities to help the fire service prepare for changes in the energy landscape.
Core Responsibilities
Monitor Emerging Technologies & Risks
Identify and evaluate lithium-ion battery and emerging energy technology issues that may affect firefighter safety, emergency response, and public safety.
Advise IAFC Leadership
Analyze emerging issues and provide subject-matter expertise, guidance, and recommendations to the IAFC Board of Directors.
Advance Public Policy
Collaborate with IAFC Government Relations and Policy staff on legislation, regulations, and public policy involving lithium-ion batteries and related energy technologies.
Strengthen Firefighter Training & Education
Develop and share training and educational resources that help emergency responders safely prepare for and manage incidents involving batteries, energy storage systems, and emerging technologies.
Support Community Risk Reduction
Develop public education resources that help communities understand risks and prevent emergencies involving lithium-ion batteries and related technologies.
Engage Industry & Technology Experts
Work with manufacturers, technology developers, industry experts, and other private-sector partners to better understand evolving technologies and their implications for emergency response.
Build Public Safety Partnerships
Collaborate with other public safety associations and government and private-sector organizations on issues affecting the fire and emergency service.
Represent the Fire Service
Represent IAFC and fire service interests on relevant government, industry, and standards-development groups, including organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Advancing Firefighter & Community Safety
The rapid adoption of batteries, electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other emerging energy technologies is changing the risks faced by fire departments and the communities they protect.
The committee connects frontline fire service experience with research, policy, standards, training, and industry expertise to help departments understand these risks and prepare for incidents involving new technologies.
By addressing the entire lifecycle of these technologies, the committee helps advance safer emergency response while supporting prevention and risk reduction before an incident occurs.
Making a Difference
The Lithium-Ion Battery Committee helps ensure the fire service has a voice as energy technologies, safety standards, and public policies evolve.
Through education, collaboration, advocacy, and subject-matter expertise, committee members help improve responder preparedness, inform national discussions, strengthen community risk reduction, and advance solutions that protect firefighters and the public.
Get Involved
IAFC members with expertise or experience in lithium-ion batteries, energy storage, electric vehicles, emerging energy technologies, fire protection, prevention, or emergency response can contribute to the committee’s work.
Participation provides an opportunity to collaborate with fire service and industry experts, contribute to national discussions, and help shape policies, education, standards, and resources addressing one of the fire service’s most rapidly evolving challenges.
