The evolution of green technology has been a double-edged sword for the fire service. On one hand, advancements in fuel efficiency and cleaner energy promise environmental benefits and economic growth. On the other hand, these changes bring new hazards that outpace the fire service’s training and resources, challenging the very people tasked with protecting us.
The Rise of Diesel Fuel
Diesel fuel was first introduced in the late 19th century by inventor Rudolf Diesel and revolutionized the transportation industry. It became widely adopted due to its efficiency and energy density compared to gasoline. However, diesel presented unique risks to firefighters. The higher flash point and combustibility of diesel made it a formidable adversary in industrial and vehicular fires. Yet it took decades for the fire service to develop comprehensive training and response tactics tailored to these hazards.
In the early days, firefighting tactics were largely based on water application for traditional Class A combustibles, like wood and paper. With the growing prevalence of diesel fuel, it became clear that these methods were not sufficient. Diesel fires, with their potential for intense heat and difficult-to-extinguish flames, required a different approach. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that foam-based suppression and specialized training for flammable liquid fires became standard in fire departments.
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Enter Lithium-Ion Batteries
Fast-forward to today, and a new challenge has emerged: lithium-ion batteries. These energy storage devices power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles and grid storage systems. While they are seen as a cornerstone of the clean energy transition, they pose significant hazards that differ fundamentally from traditional fuels like diesel.
Lithium-ion batteries can experience thermal runaway, a self-sustaining chemical reaction that can lead to fires, explosions, and the release of toxic gases. Unlike diesel, which burns at a relatively steady rate, lithium-ion battery fires can be erratic, intense, and are difficult to extinguish.
The Training and Solutions Gap
The rapid adoption of lithium-ion technology has created a critical gap between the hazards presented and the fire service’s ability to mitigate these hazards. Although the fire service eventually adapted to diesel with new tactics and tools, the same cannot be said yet for lithium-ion batteries. Current training programs often lack comprehensive information on the unique characteristics of battery fires. In many cases, firefighters are left with outdated or insufficient guidance.
The resources required to fight lithium-ion battery fires, such as thermal imaging cameras, four-gas monitors, and containment systems for water runoff, are not universally available to all departments. This disparity in training and equipment is particularly pronounced in smaller fire departments, which may struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change.
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There is a significant gap that companies are attempting to fill by claiming they have a solution for these fires. However, when asked for a demonstration, the tests are often conducted in ways that don’t reflect real-world conditions. In most cases, they use a lithium-ion battery (LIB) that burns itself out within five minutes or has such a low state of charge that it practically extinguishes itself. For smaller batteries or hybrid systems, it doesn’t take much to put out these fires. When fighting plug-in hybrid fires, I use foam, as the battery typically burns out within 15 minutes, leaving me with the normal internal combustion engine (ICE) fire that we are all familiar with. For anything larger, water is sufficient—you are cooling cells to stop the propagation of fire in the battery pack. There are very few products that I have found to work, but there is no single solution, and it’s a multifaceted approach.
Pushback Against Clean Energy
The transition to cleaner energy has faced pushback, particularly from those concerned with safety. The fire service’s experience with lithium-ion batteries exemplifies this tension. Critics argue that the technology has outpaced the ability to manage its risks, putting first responders and the public in danger. This concern is amplified in densely populated areas where electric vehicles and battery storage systems are becoming common.
There is also the issue of misinformation and misunderstanding about the hazards of lithium-ion batteries. The complexity of these incidents, coupled with a lack of standardized safety systems and response protocols, can lead to confusion, increasing risk during emergencies. This uncertainty fuels resistance to the adoption of new technologies, as communities and policymakers weigh the benefits of clean energy against the potential dangers.
Bridging the Gap
Addressing this critical gap requires a multifaceted approach. First, there must be an investment in research to better understand the behavior of lithium-ion batteries under various conditions. This research should include the development of new training programs and response protocols tailored to these unique hazards.
Second, fire departments need access to the necessary resources and equipment to safely manage lithium-ion battery incidents. This includes personal protective equipment designed to protect against these toxic exposures meant for level A and B hazmat suits.
Finally, collaboration between manufacturers, regulators, and the fire service is essential. By working together, these stakeholders can ensure that new technologies are designed with safety in mind, and that first responders have the information and tools they need to protect their communities.
Moving forward
The history of fuel technology and the fire service’s response is a story of adaptation and resilience. From the early days of diesel to the current challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries, the fire service has faced an ongoing battle to keep pace with evolving hazards. As we move further into the era of clean energy, it is crucial that we address the gaps in training, resources, and understanding that endanger our first responders. Only then can we fully realize the benefits of these new technologies while safeguarding those who protect us.
Randy Narine is a firefighter and involved with the International Association of Fire Fighters in Canada. He is on the board of directors for Clean Energy Safety and Training Council (CESAT), a CBRNe specialist, and has ben a part of the UL Technical Committee.
