Lithium-ion battery fires: Why prevention alone is no longer enough

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As lithium-ion battery fires become more frequent, Juho Toukola, CSO of Latauspolku Oy, examines why fire safety strategies must move beyond prevention and address the consequences of thermal runaway

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere. They power e-bike commutes, cordless tools on every construction site and robot mowers in groundskeeping fleets. Their numbers grow every year and so do the number of fires they cause. In January 2026, a DSV logistics terminal in Poland burned to the ground.

In Finland, a country of roughly 5.7 million people, two battery fires made national news within this spring. In Oulu in April 2026, a family of two adults and four children were forced to evacuate their home and were subsequently hospitalised, while neighbouring apartments suffered smoke damage.

In Espoo in May 2026, a tenant noticed an e-scooter battery beginning to overheat and did exactly what every safety guideline instructs: he moved to take it away from everything else. It exploded in his face and the fire spread to an e-bike battery beside it.

Apartment destroyed, building and other apartments suffered massive smoke damages. These are not exotic events anymore. More batteries mean more failures and a failing lithium-ion battery is unlike anything else in our buildings and workplaces. Once thermal runaway begins, there is no practical way for an ordinary person to put it out.

What happens when a lithium-ion battery fails

Thermal runaway is a self-accelerating chain reaction inside the battery cell. Heat generates more heat, cell by cell and the battery becomes its own fuel and its own oxygen source. This is why a battery fire behaves so differently from a bin fire. It reignites.

It ejects burning material. Cells can rupture violently, turning the battery into a source of projectiles as the Espoo tenant learned at close range. The fire itself is only part of the danger.

A burning lithium-ion battery releases a cocktail of toxic gases, most notably hydrogen fluoride. It is dangerous even at low concentrations. In large quantities it penetrates skin and tissue, but even in the light smoke we see before visible ignition it attacks the lungs and can cause severe injury to people who never see a flame. The Oulu family were hospitalised not because flames reached them, but because smoke and gas did. This combination of unstoppable fire, violent failure and toxic gas is what makes the lithium-ion problem categorically different from the fire risks our buildings were designed for.

Three pillars of lithium-ion battery fire safety, two of which fail at the critical moment

Society currently governs this risk with three tools: guidelines, restrictions and technology. It is worth being honest about what each one can and cannot do.

Guidelines are genuinely valuable. Charge with the original charger, inspect batteries for damage, do not charge unattended, do not charge near exits. Followed properly, they greatly reduce the already small probability of a fire.

But probability reduction is all they do. Guidelines do not stop thermal runaway once it begins and they quietly assume a level of supervision that does not exist in real life. The standard instruction to “supervise charging” asks a resident to watch a battery for seven hours or a logistics operator to assign a human to every charging shelf.

Nobody does this. Everybody knows nobody does this. And as Espoo showed, even the person who notices the problem early and follows the guidance to the letter can end up in the path of the failure. Restrictions are the newer instrument and they deserve more scrutiny than they get.

Housing companies and facility operators across Europe are responding to the risk by banning e-bike and e-scooter charging indoors. On paper, the risk disappears. In practice, it goes underground.

People do not stop charging the device they depend on for their commute. They charge it in their apartment, behind a closed door, where no policy reaches and no detection exists. A prohibited risk that everyone quietly takes is not a managed risk.

It is a denied one and it surfaces exactly the way the Espoo and Oulu fires did: inside homes, where people live and sleep.

A wild west of lithium-ion battery fires solutions

Walk through any fire safety exhibition and you will find an expanding catalogue of products marketed against battery fires. Many of them solve a fraction of the problem and leave the rest untouched.

Fire pouches, blankets and battery tarps can be useful for small consumer cells, but an e-mobility battery pack in full thermal runaway generates enough sustained energy to defeat most of them in seconds rather than contain them for minutes.

Specialised battery extinguishers exist but using one effectively means approaching a device that is ejecting flame, gas and potentially projectiles. For a trained responder in protective equipment with self-contained breathing apparatus, that is workable.

For a resident, a warehouse worker or a night-shift caretaker, in normal clothing it is not a realistic instruction. Passive fireproof cabinets are a step up.

They contain the fire and protect the surrounding space from flame spread. But containment is not suppression. The reaction continues inside and the toxic gases still need somewhere to go.

The effect to people problem remains unsolved. Active suppression systems based on aerosols go further and attempt to interrupt the fire. The difficulty is that aerosols suppress visible flame without reliably stopping the chain reaction underneath it and testing has shown that suppressing the flame while the cells continue venting flammable gas can create explosive conditions. Slowing the reaction is not the same as ending it.

Stop arguing probability. Engineer for consequence of lithium-ion battery fires

The uncomfortable truth is that these fires cannot be prevented. As long as lithium-ion chemistry surrounds us, a small number of failures is a statistical certainty. The meaningful question is not ‘how to reach zero probability’, because we cannot.

It is what happens in the building when the failure occurs. Research within Finland’s national LION project points to a clear answer: water immersion.

5 of the biggest fire safety news stories of 2026 so far

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2026 has already delivered no shortage of headlines in terms of fire safety news. As fire risks continue to evolve, so too does the industry’s response, with innovation, regulation and investment shaping the future of fire protection and life safety.

In this roundup, we look back at five of the biggest fire safety news stories of 2026 so far. These developments have captured the attention of fire safety professionals worldwide, influencing policy, operations and the technologies protecting people, property and critical infrastructure.

KiddeFenwal expands NATURA line with Micro fire protection for small assets

In January, KiddeFenwal launched NATURA Micro, a compact inert gas fire suppression system offered through its Kidde Fire Systems brand.

The system was introduced at Intersec in Dubai, which took place from 12 to 14 January. NATURA Micro forms part of the company’s inert gas systems portfolio and is intended to protect enclosed, small-sized assets.

Swiss ski resort fire at Le Constellation

January also saw a devastating fire break out at Le Constellation, Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during New Year celebrations in the early hours of 01/01/2026.

Police said the fire started at around 1:30am local time, when the basement bar was busy with revellers marking the turn of the year.

Click here for our coverage on timeline, casualties and investigation.

New Class L created specifically for lithium-ion battery fires

February kicked off with the launch of a new classification for lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery fires. BSI confirmed the update reflects the growing use of Li-ion batteries across the built environment, from large energy storage systems to electric vehicles and personal mobility devices.

Fire safety news

The standard classifies fires according to the nature of the material undergoing combustion.

Battery storage standard UL 9540A updated with large-scale fire testing

Standards and regulations were also on the mind in terms of fire safety news in March, with UL Standards & Solutions publishing the sixth edition of UL 9540A, adding large-scale fire testing requirements to the standard for evaluating thermal runaway fire propagation in battery energy storage systems.

The new edition was published on 13 March and is described it as a key standard for battery energy storage systems (BESS), including lithium-ion systems.

Philippines launches Fire Prevention Month

Meanwhile, March saw the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officially launch Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines with an assembly of more than 3,000 people and over 300 vehicles on March 1.

The Manila Bulletin reported that the event was led by BFP chief Director Jesus Fernandez.

The launch brought together BFP personnel, national government agencies, local and barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, fire volunteers, fire brigades, private partners and non-government organisations.

Ageing pressurised fire suppression systems white paper released by FirePro UK

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New ageing pressurised fire suppression systems white paper examines the risks, costs and regulatory pressures

FirePro UK Ltd has published a new white paper examining the growing operational, compliance and financial challenges associated with ageing pressurised gaseous fire suppression systems.

Authored by Managing Director Tony Hanley, the paper, Considerations for the Extended Lifecycle and/or Replacement of Obsolete or Aged Pressurised Fire Suppression Gas Systems, explores the issues affecting legacy FM200, CO₂ and similar systems as they approach the end of their service lives.

Drawing on more than 40 years of fire engineering experience, Hanley examines factors including hydrostatic test failures, pipework degradation, increasing refill costs, environmental regulations and concerns over long-term reliability.

The paper states: “Older cylinders may often fail the test, making them noncompliant and requiring replacement,” and highlights that enclosure integrity, a critical requirement for gas-based suppression systems, can become increasingly difficult to maintain as buildings are modified and age over time.

The publication also outlines FirePro’s condensed aerosol fire suppression technology as an alternative to conventional pressurised gaseous systems. According to the company, the technology uses a solid-state, non-pressurised generator that chemically interrupts combustion rather than relying on room pressurisation or maintaining a specific gas concentration.

FirePro says this approach removes the need for cylinders, pipework, hydrostatic testing, refills and room integrity testing, while providing a certified 15-year lifecycle and lower ongoing maintenance requirements.

The paper also states that the technology is suited to retrofit projects, older buildings and mission-critical environments where maintaining airtight enclosures may be impractical. It further highlights environmental characteristics including negligible global warming potential (GWP), the absence of PFAS and CFCs, and compliance with BS/EN 15276 safety requirements.

Hanley, who serves as Managing Director of FirePro UK, Vice Chairman of the Fire Industry Association (FIA), and received the FIA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, said the white paper is intended to help industry stakeholders make informed decisions as legacy fire suppression systems reach the end of their operational lives.

The white paper is available for facilities managers, insurers, fire engineers and other industry professionals seeking guidance on lifecycle risks, regulatory considerations and replacement options for ageing fire suppression systems.

FirePro UK has also released an accompanying video alongside the publication.

The only FM approved automated monitor system

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FM approved automated monitor systems have received dedicated guidance for the first time under FM Data Sheet 4-14. Ryan Fogelman of Fire Rover explains what the new standard means for industrial fire protection, insurers and high-risk facilities

For years, automated monitor fire suppression technology has occupied a unique position within the fire protection industry. While conventional sprinkler systems have long been regarded as the gold standard for property protection, certain occupancies and hazards have continued to present challenges.

Now, a significant development from FM is helping to reshape the conversation. In April 2026, FM published Data Sheet 4-14, Automated Monitor Fire Suppression Systems, marking the first time the organisation has issued dedicated guidance covering FM Approved automated monitor fire suppression systems.

For Fire Rover, the publication is particularly noteworthy because it reflects years of development, testing and industry adoption that have helped establish automated monitor technology as a recognised fire protection solution for some of the most challenging hazards faced by industrial operators.

The hardest part to understand is that an automated monitor is not what you think it is. The automated monitor solution still requires use of a UL/FM approved central station in order to be considered “automatic.”

FM Data Sheet 4-14 signals a new era for automated monitor fire suppression systems

Historically, water monitors have primarily been used as supplementary fire protection equipment. In many facilities they have supported sprinkler systems, assisted firefighting operations or provided additional suppression capabilities in difficult-to reach areas.

FM’s new guidance acknowledges that modern automated monitor systems are fundamentally different from traditional manually operated monitors. Equipped with advanced detection technology, thermal imaging, visual analytics, remote monitoring capabilities and automated targeting, these systems can identify a fire, locate its source and direct suppression streams without human intervention.

The data sheet recognises that while automated monitor systems are typically used as supplementary protection, there are specific applications where they may serve as sole have viewed automated monitor technology as an enhancement to sprinkler protection.

FM’s new guidance now recognises that in certain environments these systems can provide primary protection when designed and installed in accordance with FM’s occupancy-specific guidance and approval requirements.

Waste and recycling facilities drive demand for automated monitor technology

The occupancies identified within FM’s guidance are not typical commercial or industrial environments. Instead, they represent some of the most demanding fire protection challenges in the industry.

Among the applications specifically highlighted are waste fuel-fired facilities, including tipping halls and bunker buildings. These areas frequently contain large volumes of combustible waste materials, constantly changing fuel loads and operational conditions that can make traditional sprinkler protection difficult.

Waste facilities face a unique fire risk profile. Materials are often delivered continuously, stockpiles change throughout the day and fires can develop deep within waste piles before becoming visible. Early detection and rapid suppression are critical to preventing significant losses, operational disruption and environmental impacts.

Automated monitor systems have increasingly been deployed in these environments because they are capable of continuously monitoring large areas and directing high-volume water streams precisely at developing fire events.

FM’s recognition of tipping halls and bunker buildings as suitable applications for automated monitor protection reflects the industry’s growing understanding of how these systems can address hazards that do not always fit conventional models. “

Firestopping InternationalFireandSafetyJournal.com 29 July 2026 But all solutions are not the same. While some automatic systems have shown vulnerabilities during their deployment, especially in “active” locations with a ton of activity, like we see on tipping floors, baling operations and bale storage operations.

In these cases, the only FM Approved Smart monitoring Solution has proven 99.9% effective stopping major or catastrophic losses during events. The Fire Rover solution can work with front line responders to provide experienced firefighting capabilities to the front lines.

Last year Fire Rover agents responded to over 3600 confirmed fires/hotspot and suppressed 473 fires on the front lines. This year they are on pace to suppress over 700 fires. Expanding recognition within storage environments

The FM guidance also recognises applications within pulp and paper operations, particularly or primary protection. This distinction is significant. For many years, facility owners, insurers, engineers and risk managers outdoor storage and storage within non-combustible buildings associated with baled wastepaper.

Fire protection within bale storage environments has long presented challenges. Traditional suppression approaches can face limitations when dealing with large, densely packed storage arrangements.

Automated monitor systems provide an alternative method of applying large volumes of water directly to affected areas while maintaining coverage. For operators managing baled wastepaper, recycling materials and related commodities, the inclusion of these occupancies within FM’s guidance provides additional recognition of automated monitor technology as a viable protection strategy when implemented in accordance with FM recommendations.

The importance of FM approval

One of the most significant aspects of the new data sheet is its emphasis on FM Approved systems. The document repeatedly stresses that automated monitor fire suppression systems are more complex than conventional sprinkler systems and that approval, testing, validation and compliance with manufacturers’ design, installation, operation and maintenance requirements are critical to achieving acceptable levels of reliability and performance.

FM notes that only one FM Approved automated monitor system was commercially available at the time of publication. That solution is Fire Rover. Please reach out to rfogelman@ firerover.com if you are interested in learning more.

This highlights the extensive testing, evaluation and validation required to achieve approval status. For facility owners and insurers, FM Approval provides confidence that systems have undergone rigorous assessment for performance, reliability, functionality and integration.

In an industry where reliability is paramount, third-party validation plays a crucial role in supporting adoption and acceptance. Beyond suppression A defining characteristic of modern automated monitor technology is that it extends beyond simple water delivery. Today’s systems integrate advanced detection capabilities, thermal imaging, visual analytics and automated decision-making.

These capabilities allow facilities to identify developing incidents at a much earlier stage than would be possible through traditional suppression systems alone.

Rather than waiting for a fire to activate a sprinkler head, automated monitor systems continuously observe protected areas, detect abnormal heat signatures or visible flames, verify incidents and initiate suppression activities.

This combination of early detection and targeted suppression can be particularly valuable in environments where fires can grow rapidly or develop within large open areas. The technology’s ability to provide continuous monitoring also delivers operational benefits beyond fire suppression, including improved situational awareness, faster incident verification and enhanced support.

What FM recognition means for the future of automated monitor fire protection

The publication of Data Sheet 4-14 is not occurring in isolation. Automated monitor systems are also referenced within other FM property loss prevention data sheets covering specific hazards and occupancies.

This broader integration demonstrates how the technology is increasingly being recognised as part of a comprehensive risk management strategy.

As FM continues to gain experience with automated monitor systems and as additional applications are evaluated, future guidance will likely continue to evolve. The data sheet itself notes that the range of recognised occupancies may expand as technology develops and additional performance experience is gained.

For Fire Rover and the wider automated monitor sector, FM’s publication represents an important milestone. The new guidance reflects a growing industry recognition that certain hazards require specialised protection strategies beyond traditional approaches.

It acknowledges the role that automated monitor systems can play in addressing those challenges

Ghent University student wins Ragnar Wighus Award

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Ragnar Wighus Award recognises Ghent University master’s graduate Mohsen Morshedi for his award-winning water mist research

A Ghent University graduate has been announced as the winner of the Ragnar Wighus Award. Mohsen Morshedi will present his master thesis at the annual International Water Mist Conference (IWMC2026) in Prague, Czech Republic, on 7th and 8th October 2026. 

The title of the winning thesis is “Numerical Simulation of dense Water Mist Sprays in ‘cold’ Conditions with an Emphasis on Multi-Droplet Aerodynamics Interaction”. The thesis was supervised by Prof. Dr. Tarek Beji and Prof. Dr. Tom de Mulder. 

On receiving the news, Mohsen Morshedi said: “I am deeply honoured to be named the recipient of the Ragnar Wighus Award this year. It is a privilege to be recognised among such inspiring professionals, and I sincerely appreciate the support I have received along the way.” 

The sponsor of the award is the International Water Mist Association (IWMA). The committee that evaluates the submissions is the IWMA Scientific Council under the chairmanship of Kemal Arsava (Norwegian University of Science and Technology). 

In 2027, The Ragnar Wighus Award will go to the author of the best Ph.D. thesis. Deadline to hand in submissions is 31st March 2027. The terms under which to apply will be published towards in November. 

Is the safety of fire suppression systems considered in BESS hazards?

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In today’s era of large-scale energy storage deployment, fire safety is no longer simply a matter of “whether a fire can be extinguished.” When a lithium-ion battery goes into thermal runaway, it releases large quantities of flammable gases, including hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane.

When these gases mix with air and accumulate within confined spaces such as BESS containers, they can reach explosive limits. Once that happens, any ignition source can trigger a violent explosion.

However, one risk that has long been overlooked is that the fire suppression product itself can become the ignition source for an explosion.

Conventional fire suppression systems can become ignition sources

Conventional fire suppression systems—such as gas systems, CO₂ extinguishers and FK-5112 systems—typically contain high-pressure vessels, solenoid actuators and electrical tubing.

In the event of flammable gas accumulation inside an energy storage enclosure, if these devices activate or malfunction, their internal electrical contacts, motor operation and high-pressure discharge can generate electrical arcs, high temperatures or mechanical sparks—potentially igniting the surrounding flammable gas atmosphere.

In other words, a fire suppression system without explosion-proof design can be more dangerous in an energy storage explosion scenario than the fire itself.

Are aerosol fire suppression systems suitable for hazardous BESS environments?

Aerosol fire suppression systems have become one of the commonly used fire protection solutions in BESS due to their non-pressurised design, simple installation and maintenance and environmental benefits. So, the question is: how do aerosol units perform in potentially explosive atmospheres?

If we look at the design standards for aerosol systems, not all aerosol products are automatically suitable for use in hazardous explosive areas:

EN 15276-2:2019—Fixed firefighting systems—Condensed aerosol extinguishing systems—Part 2: Design, installation and maintenance—Clause 4.3 explicitly states: Where aerosol generators are used in potentially explosive atmosphere, the compatibility of the generator to the atmosphere for the determined lifetime should be assessed according to ATEX directive 2014/34/EU[5].

ISO 15779:2011—Condensed aerosol fire extinguishing systems—Requirements and test methods for components and system design, installation and maintenance —General requirements—Clause 4.6 similarly states: Under certain conditions, the potential for explosive atmospheres may exist. Areas where such potential may exist are classified as hazardous. Condensed aerosols may be used in hazardous areas subject to the manufacturer obtaining the specific listings and approvals for such areas from the appropriate authorities.

Only when an aerosol unit has obtained the necessary approval for use in explosive atmospheres can it be installed in BESS. This is likely a design requirement that has been overlooked within the industry.

Explosion-proof fire suppression design is becoming critical for energy storage safety

Energy storage safety is a complete, multi-layered defense: it requires preventing thermal runaway, controlling flammable gas accumulation and—most critically—ensuring that the fire suppression equipment that activates under accident conditions is itself safe and reliable.

With their non-pressurised design, arc-free operation and modular construction, aerosol fire suppression systems—after obtaining explosion-proof certification—are a fire protection solution worth prioritising in energy storage applications.

Energy storage safety is no longer just about “whether the fire can be put out.” Under the most severe accident conditions, whether the fire suppression product itself remains safe and operational is what designers should consider most. An effective system design is one that strictly follows the fire suppression system’s design standards.

Advanced fire protection systems for battery storage, offshore wind and critical infrastructure

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HAFEX CEO Ufuk Can Günaydın discusses how advanced fire protection systems are evolving to support battery energy storage, offshore wind, marine operations and critical infrastructure in increasingly complex risk environments

As industries accelerate investment in renewable energy, electrification, critical infrastructure and offshore operations, fire protection requirements are becoming increasingly complex.

From Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and offshore wind turbines to marine vessels, high-risk environments require suppression systems designed specifically for operational demands that conventional solutions may not fully address.

In this context, HAFEX, a fire protection engineering company specialising in suppression technologies for technically demanding sectors, develops and manufactures fire protection systems with a focus on reliability, certification and performance in mission-critical environments.

Led by Fire Engineer and CEO Ufuk Can Günaydın, the company has expanded internationally by developing sector[1]specific solutions tailored to challenging operating conditions, including offshore environments, battery storage installations, telecommunications infrastructure and military assets.

“The key factor has been our ability to combine engineering expertise with sector-specific fire protection solutions,” Günaydın tells IFSJ. “These industries require more than standard fire suppression; they demand reliability, certification, adaptability and a deep understanding of operational risks.”

Fire protection strategies for battery energy storage systems

As renewable energy deployment accelerates globally, HAFEX has identified BESS as a major strategic growth area.

“BESS applications are one of the most important focus areas for us,” says Günaydın. “Lithium-ion battery fires behave very differently from conventional fires, especially because of thermal runaway and the risk of re-ignition.”

To address these challenges, HAFEX has developed aerosol and clean-agent suppression technologies designed for rapid activation, early-stage suppression and protection within enclosed battery environments.

The company also places emphasis on system integration, detection and risk-based design, aiming to reduce fire spread and support safer long-term operation of infrastructure.

Fire protection challenges across offshore wind and marine infrastructure

Marine and offshore environments represent another major focus area for HAFEX, particularly as offshore wind development continues to expand globally.

“Offshore and marine environments are challenging because fire protection systems must operate under harsh conditions such as vibration, humidity, saltwater exposure, limited access and extreme weather,” Günaydın explains.

For its part, HAFEX has developed systems incorporating real-time fire detection, continuous temperature monitoring and daily reporting of environmental changes to support early risk identification.

The company protects wind turbine risk zones separately, including nacelles, transformers and electrical cabinets, allowing more targeted suppression and risk management.

This approach has already been tested in operational environments. According to HAFEX, seven discharge cases have been recorded within installations for Enel Green Power Mexico across more than 300 Siemens Gamesa wind turbines, with three confirmed fire incidents successfully extinguished.

Following these deployments, the company has expanded further into the Asia-Pacific region, where it has reported protecting more than 400 offshore wind turbines across multiple global turbine brands.

Fire suppression solutions for critical electronic infrastructure

Meanwhile, in environments containing sensitive electronic infrastructure, fire suppression requirements differ significantly from conventional industrial settings. The priority is not only extinguishing fire quickly but doing so without damaging critical assets or disrupting operations.

“For sensitive electronics, the goal is not only to extinguish the fire but also to protect the equipment and avoid damaging the electronics,” says Günaydın.

Accordingly, HAFEX manufactures a certified strontium-based aerosol suppression system designed to avoid the conductivity issues that potassium-based extinguishing agents faces, particularly strontium-based aerosols has no hydrophilic characteristics.

The company proves that it’s clean and electrically non-conductive suppression technologies are suitable for data centres, server rooms, electrical cabinets and telecommunication systems.

HAFEX also reports protecting more than 4,000 4G and 5G base stations globally. “Our approach focuses on fast detection, targeted suppression and minimal residue—nearly none—which allows critical systems to remain protected without causing secondary damage,” Günaydın explains.

Fire protection requirements for defence and military applications

HAFEX also supplies fire suppression systems for naval and air force applications, where reliability and compliance requirements are significantly more demanding than in many commercial projects.

“Defence applications require a much higher level of reliability, durability and technical compliance,” says Günaydın. “Systems must perform under vibration, shock, restricted space, temperature variation and demanding operational conditions.”

Because defence platforms often involve mission-critical assets, fire protection systems must be engineered to function consistently under extreme operational stress.

In that respect, its defence-focused aerosol generators incorporate three detection and activation mechanisms within a single unit, alongside self-activation capability at 300°C.

Preparing for future fire risks

Looking ahead, HAFEX sees one of the biggest challenges as managing fire risks associated with rapidly evolving technologies. “The biggest challenge will be protecting new technologies before risks become widespread,” Günaydın explains.

Electrification, automation, renewable energy infrastructure, data centres and high-density battery systems are all creating new fire scenarios that legacy suppression technologies may not fully address.

At the same time, they are creating new opportunities for manufacturers capable of delivering specialised and application-specific solutions. “We believe the future will require smarter, more compact, environmentally responsible and application-specific suppression systems,” says Günaydın.

How AVD Fire is setting the global safety standard in lithium-ion battery fire suppression

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As lithium-ion battery adoption accelerates, AVD Fire explains how certified lithium-ion battery fire suppression technologies are redefining fire safety, containment and thermal runaway mitigation

From electric vehicles and airport ground operations to logistics hubs and energy storage systems, lithium-ion batteries now underpin critical infrastructure. Yet with this growth comes a well-documented and escalating challenge: thermal runaway events that are difficult to suppress, highly volatile and prone to re-ignition.

For fire safety professionals, insurers and regulators, the question is no longer if lithium-ion battery incidents will occur – but how effectively they can be controlled, contained and mitigated.

This is where Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) has emerged as a globally recognised, field-proven solution – redefining expectations for lithium-ion fire suppression.

AVD is not simply an incremental improvement on conventional extinguishing agents – it represents a fundamental shift in how lithium-ion fires are managed.Unlike traditional methods that focus solely on cooling or oxygen displacement, AVD introduces a dual-action mechanism:

  • Rapid cooling to reduce thermal escalation
  • Formation of a vermiculite barrier layer, preventing oxygen reintroduction and suppressing re-ignition

This unique approach directly addresses the core challenge of lithium-ion fires: sustained chemical reactions within the battery cells.The result is controlled suppression, reduced fire spread and significantly improved post-incident stability – a critical factor for emergency responders and site operators alike.

Certified lithium-ion fire suppression performance and proven credibility

As global scrutiny intensifies around lithium-ion fire risks, independent testing and certification are no longer optional – they are essential.AVD Fire’s product portfolio has been developed and validated to meet the highest international standards, assuring both regulatory bodies and commercial stakeholders.

AVD extinguishers are supported by a comprehensive framework of certifications and third-party validations, including:

  • UL witness testing conducted at AVD Fire’s UK test facility
  • Emirates Safety Laboratory testing, demonstrating performance under controlled conditions
  • NTA 8133 certification for lithium-ion fire extinguishing capability
  • British Kitemark accreditation, reinforcing product quality and manufacturing standards

These credentials are not merely technical milestones – they represent market trust, regulatory confidence and operational reliability.

DIN-certified EV fire blankets for lithium-ion battery fire containment

While fire extinguishers are critical for early-stage intervention, large-scale lithium-ion incidents – particularly involving electric vehicles – require a different strategy: containment.

AVD Fire’s EV Fire Blankets are engineered to meet the rigorous DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 Standard for EV fire containment. Key performance attributes include:

  • Resistance to sustained temperatures exceeding 1000°C
  • Structural integrity in oxidising environments
  • Capability to contain flames, heat and hazardous off-gassing
  • Protection against debris and projectile risks during thermal runaway

For high-risk environments such as airports, tunnels, ports and logistics centres, these blankets provide a critical first-response containment solution, limiting damage and enabling safer incident management.

Fire Suppression Kits (FSKs) for lithium-ion battery incident response

Recognising that lithium-ion incidents often require multi-layered response strategies, AVD Fire has developed Fire Suppression Kits (FSKs) to complement its core product range.

These kits are designed to support assisted mitigation, equipping personnel with:

  • Specialist tools for safe handling and isolation
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Integrated AVD extinguishing solutions

In environments such as distribution centres, manufacturing facilities and transport hubs, FSKs provide a structured and repeatable response framework, reducing reliance on improvised or inconsistent procedures.

Global lithium-ion fire safety distribution with local expertise

AVD Fire’s international growth has been driven not only by product innovation, but also through the development of a trusted global distribution network.Today, AVD Fire solutions are supported by established distribution and service partners across:

  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • North America
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Caribbean

This network ensures customers benefit from local technical expertise, regulatory understanding, product availability and rapid response capability within their respective regions.

As lithium-ion battery adoption continues to accelerate globally, AVD Fire remains committed to supporting its existing distribution partners, while selectively expanding representation in strategic regions where opportunities and market coverage gaps exist.

The company is currently open to discussions with qualified partners in selected territories worldwide, including parts of:

  • Latin America
  • Africa
  • Southeast Asia
  • Selected regions within North America
  • EMEA

For distributors and fire safety specialists, this represents an opportunity to align with a globally recognised lithium-ion battery fire suppression specialist in a rapidly growing market.

Full-scale lithium-ion battery fire testing and validation

While certifications and laboratory testing provide essential validation, real-world performance remains the ultimate benchmark.

To further demonstrate the effectiveness of its solutions, AVD Fire recently conducted two full-scale live fire tests in North America, involving electric vehicles undergoing thermal runaway.

In these controlled tests:

  • Two Tesla vehicles were intentionally ignited to simulate thermal runaway conditions
  • AVD Fire deployed both its DIN-certified EV blanket and Premium fire blanket
  • The fires were successfully contained and ultimately extinguished

The outcomes demonstrated:

  • Effective containment of flames and heat
  • Significant reduction in fire spread risk
  • Controlled suppression without escalation
  • Enhanced safety for operators and surrounding infrastructure

These tests provide compelling evidence that AVD solutions are not only compliant and certified but also operationally effective in the most demanding real-world scenarios.

Leading the future of lithium-ion battery fire safety

As lithium-ion battery technology continues to reshape industries, the fire safety sector must evolve in parallel.

The transition requires:

  • New suppression technologies designed specifically for lithium-ion risks
  • Certified, standards-driven solutions that meet global regulatory expectations
  • Integrated response systems that combine suppression, containment and operational safety

AVD Fire is at the forefront of this transition – delivering solutions that are scientifically advanced, independently validated, and globally deployed.

Why the fire safety industry must act on lithium-ion battery risks

The challenge of lithium-ion battery fires is not theoretical – it is immediate, growing and

increasingly complex. For fire safety professionals, infrastructure operators and distributors, the priority is clear: Adopt solutions that are proven, certified and designed specifically for the risks at hand.

AVD Fire invites industry stakeholders to:

  • Explore its full range of lithium-ion fire protection solutions
  • Engage in collaborative testing and validation programmes
  • Partner in expanding global distribution and implementation

The future of fire safety demands more than adaptation – it demands leadership. AVD is setting that standard.

Built to move: The difference behind Lamella in curtain wall fire protection

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In facade design, passive fire protection must perform over time in real building conditions, not just in testing.

This is especially important in curtain wall construction, where facades accommodate movement from wind loads, thermal expansion, and structural deflection. In these cases, a firestop or perimeter seal must do more than fit at installation. It must maintain the seal over time as the building moves.

This is where a Lamella material offers something distinctly different.

Fire protection must do more than achieve fire resistance

Passive fire protection performance depends on more than fire rating alone. It must also maintain the right form, fit, and compressibility over the life of the system.

Some standard stone wool solutions use a horizontal fiber structure. While stable, this can reduce their ability to accommodate repeated lateral compression over time. As movement and compression continue, internal fiber bonds can break down, reducing the product’s ability to recover and potentially allowing gaps to form between the fire protection and the facade or slab edge.

In curtain wall systems, where movement is expected, that loss of recovery can become a critical performance issue. Passive fire protection must remain closely fitted between the facade and the floor slab or inner construction, maintaining integrity as those elements move relative to one another. If the material cannot flex, recover, and sustain contact, the long-term effectiveness of the seal may be at risk.

A material engineered differently

Siderise® developed its own unique Lamella to address these real-world demands. Rather than using a conventional horizontal fiber structure, Siderise Lamella is manufactured from a specially formulated stone wool with vertically oriented fibers. This vertical arrangement allows the product to better withstand lateral compression and to recover more reliably from movement. Accelerated age testing in accordance with EOTA Technical Report 024 has demonstrated that Siderise’s Lamella structure can be repeatedly laterally compressed without loss of recovery or flex.

A smarter experience on site

Lamella also brings practical advantages. The integrated foil facing is clearly marked on top/bottom, and with the fibers already oriented vertically, it significantly reduces the risk of installer error.

Traditional solutions can also require application of spray, with insulation cut and compressed onsite before being sealed with an elastomeric compound. Because Siderise’s product is pre-compressed in the factory, Lamella and the applied foil scrim provide such a high level of fire resistance that an additional wet seal is unnecessary. As that compression is applied, the facing visibly wrinkles, providing a visual indicator that the product has been installed correctly.

Built for the reality of modern facades

Siderise Lamella is engineered to maintain form, fit, and integrity in building envelope applications where movement is inevitable. In curtain wall systems, where small gaps can have significant consequences, that ability to move with the building is a critical performance requirement.

Learn more about the innovation behind Lamella at www.siderise-us.com/lamella

Britannia Fire secures Dubai government approval

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionMiddle East - Featured News Archives

Britannia Fire has revealed that its P50 fire extinguishers have officially been certified for use by major government entities in the Emirate of Dubai including Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Airport and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

According to the company, the Certificate of Conformity (COC) was obtained from the Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL) by the Concorde-Corodex Group, Britannia Fire’s distribution partner across the Middle East and North Africa.

Britannia Fire

A global leader in the design and production of composite fire extinguishers, Britannia Fire manufactures the P50 range from its factory in Norfolk, UK.

The advanced composite materials remove the need for annual servicing, with refurbishment only required after ten years, while the multi-purpose, fully recyclable and PFAS-free design helps support sustainability.

The approval comes as many government facilities in Dubai continue to rely on conventional steel extinguishers, which require annual servicing, have shorter operational lifespans and often contain PFAS.

“Enhanced operational efficiency and significant cost savings”

Asharaf Pallath, Sales Manager at Concorde-Corodex commented: “Government organisations in the region are showing strong interest in the P50 PFAS-Free Foam model.

“It is suitable for Class A, B and F fires and is also safe for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000V.

“In many cases, a single P50 can replace two separate extinguishers, offering enhanced operational efficiency and significant cost savings through reduced servicing needs and fewer overall units required,” he concluded.

Concorde-Corodex

Concorde-Corodex already supplies more than 5,000 P50 fire extinguishers annually in the Abu Dhabi region to the industrial and oil and gas sectors, where the P50 has long held Abu Dhabi Civil Defence approval.

The new certification paves the way for further expansion into the Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

“An important step in our growth”

Andy Spence, Managing Director at Britannia Fire added: “This certification marks an important step in our growth across the Middle East.

“Working closely with Concorde-Corodex, we are well positioned to support organisations in Dubai who are committed to improving both safety and environmental performance.”