Lithium Fire Risks by Battery Type
Start with the area that matches your setup. Different battery applications carry different risks, from e-bikes and power tools to solar storage and EV charging.
Australian Standards & Lithium Battery Fires
Key clarification - AS/NZS 1841 is not a dedicated lithium battery fire standard.
AS/NZS 1841 matters but it is not a dedicated lithium battery fire standard. It covers conventional portable extinguisher categories such as multi-use water-type extinguishers. Australia does not currently have a dedicated standard specifically certifying portable extinguisher performance for lithium-ion battery fires.
Battery Safe Australia is pursuing the relevant available Australian portable extinguisher standards pathway including AS/NZS 1841 alignment/certification where applicable. Our bigger ambition is to help lead the push toward clearer Australian guidance and ultimately support the development of a dedicated lithium battery fire standard as the category matures.
That is why BSA focuses on purpose-built lithium battery fire protection, clear size guidance, honest limitations and emergency-first advice.
Why Lithium Battery Fires Behave Differently
A lithium battery fire is not like a conventional fire. Standard combustion stops when fuel or oxygen is removed. Lithium battery fires can sustain themselves through a process called thermal runaway — an internal chemical reaction that generates its own heat.
This means a battery can reignite even after visible flames appear to be extinguished. Effective response requires cooling, wetting and sustained contact with the battery surface, not just knockdown of visible flame.
What Is Thermal Runaway?
Thermal runaway is a chain reaction that occurs inside a lithium-ion cell when internal temperatures reach a critical threshold.
The process typically follows this sequence:
- A cell is damaged, overcharged, or exposed to excessive heat
- Internal temperature rises and gases begin to build
- The separator between electrodes breaks down
- Heat accelerates faster than it can dissipate
- Adjacent cells may be drawn into the same reaction, spreading the incident
The result is a rapid, self-sustaining fire that can be difficult to control with standard suppression methods.
Common Sources of Lithium Battery Fires in Australia
Lithium batteries are present in a wide range of everyday items. Common sources of lithium battery fire incidents include:
- E-bikes and e-scooters — often charged overnight and stored indoors
- Power tools — high-drain batteries subject to repeated charging cycles
- Portable battery packs and chargers — frequently used with off-brand or incompatible chargers
- Solar battery storage systems — large-capacity battery banks installed in homes and businesses
- EV charging areas — high-voltage lithium packs in vehicles and charging infrastructure
How to Respond to a Lithium Battery Fire
Always call 000 immediately for any significant fire. Follow emergency services guidance at all times.
For early-stage incidents where it is safe to intervene:
- Do not use dry powder (ABE) as a first choice — it does not address the ongoing heat source and leaves heavy residue
- A purpose-built lithium suppression agent applied to the battery surface can help cool and suppress the incident
- Maintain distance and avoid inhaling gases or smoke from a burning battery
- If the battery is in a vehicle or fixed installation, evacuate and do not re-enter until emergency services have cleared the area
- Even after apparent suppression, monitor the battery — lithium batteries can reignite hours after the initial incident
Lithium Battery Fire Prevention Tips
Reducing your exposure to lithium battery fire risk starts with everyday habits:
- Charge responsibly — do not leave lithium batteries charging overnight or unattended for extended periods
- Use the correct charger — always use the manufacturer-approved charger for your device
- Inspect regularly — a battery that is swollen, cracked, leaking or producing unusual heat should not be used or charged
- Store safely — keep batteries away from flammable materials and out of extreme heat
- Avoid physical damage — a dropped or crushed battery may have internal damage that is not visible externally
- Dispose correctly — do not dispose of lithium batteries in general waste or recycling bins
Choosing a Fire Extinguisher for Lithium Battery Fires
Standard fire extinguishers are designed for conventional fire classes. Dry powder (ABE) extinguishers can help knock down visible flame but are not designed to address the ongoing heat source in a battery fire. Water alone lacks the surface adhesion needed for sustained cooling contact.
BSA extinguishers use BSA900™, a water-based suppression agent that includes alkyl glycoside surfactants and polymer additives. BSA900™ is designed to:
- Help cool and reduce battery surface temperature
- Cling to surfaces for extended cooling contact
- Help suppress flame and reduce oxygen exposure
BSA extinguishers are designed for early-stage intervention in lithium battery fire incidents at home, in the garage, workshop and battery storage areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a normal fire extinguisher on a lithium battery fire?
Standard ABE dry powder extinguishers can help suppress visible flame but are not designed for lithium battery fires. They do not address the ongoing heat source or the risk of re-ignition. A purpose-built lithium suppression agent is designed to cool the battery surface and help reduce re-ignition risk.
What causes lithium batteries to catch fire?
Most lithium battery fires are triggered by thermal runaway — an internal chain reaction caused by physical damage, overcharging, manufacturing defects or excessive heat exposure. Once started, thermal runaway can be difficult to stop without targeted cooling.
What size BSA extinguisher do I need?
Choose 2L for smaller battery charging areas, 4L for garages and power tool zones, and 9L for larger workshops, EV charging areas and solar battery setups. View the full range for size guidance.
Lithium Battery Charging Safety Checklist
A simple guide for safer charging around home, garage and battery storage areas.
Battery Safe Australia was founded to bring purpose-built lithium fire protection into everyday Australian homes and workplaces. As lithium battery use continues to grow, having the right equipment on hand matters.
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