A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that is known for being small, lightweight, and long-lasting. They’re often used to provide power to a variety of devices, including smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, e-cigarettes, power tools, toys, and cars, and now homes.

Adapting the fire service response plans through training, research, and experience is critical in the fire service. As consumers continue expanding use of the batteries and systems and sales of electrification increase for electric vehicles (EVs), mobility devices, and home energy storage systems (ESS), the fire service must continue to modify our tactics to properly respond and protect firefighters. Fighting vehicle and home fires is inherently dangerous, but now a new technology changes the risk profile. When responding to an incident involving a lithium-ion battery system fire, there are additional challenges that responding crews must consider.