Kitchen Fires

Kitchen Fires: Causes, Prevention, and Safety Tips

by Information

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, a place where families gather to prepare and share meals. However, it is also one of the most common areas for household fires to occur. In this informative blog post, we will explore the causes of kitchen fires, how to prevent them, and important safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Causes of Kitchen Fires  

1. Cooking Unattended:

One of the leading causes of kitchen fires is leaving food unattended on the stove or in the oven. A momentary distraction can quickly lead to disaster.

2. Grease and Oil Fires:

Cooking with oil can be dangerous, as it can easily ignite if it becomes too hot. Grease fires can spread rapidly and are difficult.

3. Flammable Objects Near the Stove:

Towels, pot holders, paper towels, and other flammable materials left too close to a hot burner can catch fire.

4. Electrical Appliances:

Faulty or misused electrical appliances, such as toasters, microwaves, or coffee makers, can also be a source of kitchen fires.

5. Gas Leaks:

Stoves that use gas can be dangerous if there is a leak. Gas leaks are often accompanied by a strong odour, but they can sometimes go unnoticed until a fire occurs.

Preventing Kitchen Fires

1. Stay in the Kitchen:

Whenever you are cooking, stay in the kitchen to keep an eye on the food. Avoid leaving the kitchen unattended, especially when using the stovetop or oven.

2. Maintain Appliances:

Regularly inspect and maintain your kitchen appliances, such as stoves, ovens, and microwaves, to ensure they are in good working condition.

3. Keep Flammable Objects Away:

Keep flammable materials like dish towels, pot holders, and paper towels away from the stove and other hot surfaces.

4. Use Oil with Caution:

When cooking with oil, use a deep fryer thermometer to monitor the oil’s temperature. Never overheat it, and always keep a lid nearby to smother any flames if a grease fire occurs.

5. Install a Smoke Detector:

Make sure your kitchen is equipped with a smoke detector, and test it regularly to ensure it is functioning correctly.

Safety Tips for Kitchen Fires

1. Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher:

Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it. The PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) method is the most common technique for using a fire extinguisher.

2. Never Use Water on Grease Fires:

Water can cause a grease fire to spread rapidly. Instead, use a fire extinguisher or cover the pan with a lid to smother the flames.

3. Use a Fire Extinguisher or a Fire Blanket:

If a small fire breaks out, you can use an appropriate fire extinguisher (likely Class F) or a fire blanket to smother the flames.

4. Call 911:

If a fire gets out of control, evacuate your home immediately and call 911 for professional help.

Class F Fires

Class F fires are a specific category of fires primarily involving cooking oils and fats, particularly in commercial kitchens and restaurants. These fires are characterised by the ignition of hot cooking oils and fats, which can quickly become extremely dangerous due to their high temperatures and the potential for splattering and spreading. 

Class F fires pose a unique challenge because they cannot be effectively extinguished with water, as water can cause the burning oil to splatter and spread the flames. Instead, specialised fire suppression systems and extinguishing agents, such as Wet Chemical fire extinguishers, are used to control and extinguish Class F fires safely. 

These extinguishing agents work by cooling the oil and creating a barrier to prevent re-ignition. Proper training and equipment are crucial when dealing with Class F fires to minimise the risk of injury and property damage in commercial kitchen environments.

Conclusion

Kitchen fires are a serious safety concern, but with proper precautions, they can be prevented. Always stay vigilant while cooking, keep your kitchen well-maintained, and know how to respond in case of a fire emergency. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your kitchen remains a safe and enjoyable place for cooking and sharing meals with your loved ones.

Electrical fires

Electrical Fires – How are they caused, and how do we deal with them?

by Information

Electrical fires are fires that originate from issues within electrical systems, equipment, or devices. These fires arise when electrical components experience overheating, electrical arcing, or short circuits, which can, in turn, ignite nearby materials like insulation, wiring, or flammable substances.

How do they occur?

One primary factor contributing to electrical fires is overloading circuits, a scenario in which an excessive number of electrical devices or appliances are connected to a single circuit, resulting in an excessive current flow that overheats the wires and potentially leads to a fire hazard. 

Additionally, faulty wiring poses a substantial risk, particularly in cases of aged or damaged wiring with inadequate insulation or improper installation. Wiring that is exposed, frayed, or corroded can also be very dangerous. Electrical equipment malfunctions, such as defective switches, outlets, or appliances, can also be triggers for fires, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of electrical systems to prevent these hazardous incidents.

How to identify an electrical fire?

Identifying an electrical fire is crucial for ensuring safety in your home or workplace. There are several key signs to watch for. First and foremost, look for any unusual smell, often described as a burning or melting smell, which may indicate overheating or melting of electrical components. Many people say an electrical fire can emit a fishy scent. This typically means it has just started. The fish odour is caused by electrical components overheating that haven’t begun to burn up. Their heat-resistant chemical coatings can also release a fishy smell when burned.

Also keep an eye out for sparks or flashes of light coming from electrical outlets or appliances, as these can be clear indicators of an electrical fire. If you hear crackling or buzzing sounds near electrical outlets or wiring, it could suggest a potential fire hazard. 

How to deal with electrical fires?

Dealing with these fires requires a cautious and systematic approach to ensure safety.

Stay Calm: The first and most crucial step is to remain calm. Panic can lead to hasty decisions that may worsen the situation.

Cut the Power: Quickly locate the power source and shut it off. This can be done by switching off the circuit breaker or unplugging the affected appliance. Cutting the power supply is essential to prevent further electrical flow to the fire.

Use a Fire Extinguisher: If the fire is small and contained, you can attempt to extinguish it using the correct fire extinguisher, which is designed for electrical fires. Ensure you know how to use the extinguisher properly, following the PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) technique. For types of fire extinguishers view lower down in this post.

DO NOT Use Water: Never use a standard water fire extinguisher to put out an electrical fire. Water conducts electricity and can lead to electrical shock or the spread of a fire.

Evacuate Safely: If the fire grows beyond your control, or if you are unsure about how to handle it, prioritise your safety and evacuate the premises. Close doors behind you to contain the fire and prevent its spread. Call the fire service immediately from a safe distance.

Wait for Professionals: Even if you believe you have extinguished the fire, it’s essential to wait for the fire department to arrive and confirm that it is safe. Electrical fires can reignite, and professionals have the necessary tools and expertise to handle them.

Remember, safety should always be the top priority when dealing with electrical fires. If in doubt, evacuate and call the professionals. It’s better to be cautious and let trained firefighters handle the situation.

Which fire extinguishers can fight electrical fires?

Electrical fires as we have explained are very dangerous. This means they are more difficult to contain and extinguish. Electrical fires are not their own fire classification which also makes them more difficult to handle. They however can be fought and extinguished with these extinguishers:

Dry Powder – Dry Powder fire extinguishers are very versatile and a main staple in a lot of fire safety setups. These fire extinguishers can be used on Class A, Class B, Class C and Electrical fires making them the most versatile fire extinguisher on the market. Electrical fires aren’t their own class of fire because they are seen as more a form of ignition than fuel. But when Electricity is present, Water must not be used.

CO2 – CO2 fire extinguishers are perfect for fighting Class B fires and Electrical fires. Its properties allow it not to damage electrical equipment so therefore makes it a great choice for situations where electrical fires are a risk. CO2 extinguishers have a B fire rating but can also combat electrical fires. 

Electrical fires aren’t their own class of fire because they are seen as more a form of ignition than fuel. CO2 extinguishers are good as they do not leave a harmful residue behind, this is what makes them desirable compared to a lot of the other extinguishers.

To find out more about these types of extinguishers and all the other types of extinguishers, check out our explanation of all the types HERE.

Conclusion

In conclusion, electrical fires can be incredibly dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations that can arise from various sources, such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or damaged appliances. Understanding the causes and being prepared to deal with these fires is crucial for ensuring the safety of yourself and those around you.

By understanding the causes of electrical fires and knowing how to respond effectively, you can significantly reduce the potential harm they pose. Fire safety is a shared responsibility, and being prepared can make all the difference in preventing damage, injuries, and even fatalities.

wrong type of fire extinguisher

What Happens If I Use The Wrong Type Of Fire Extinguisher On A Fire?

by Information

Fire safety is a critical aspect of protecting yourself and your property from the devastating effects of fires. One essential tool in fire safety is the fire extinguisher, but did you know that using the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire can have serious consequences? In this blog post, we will explore what happens when you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire and why it’s crucial to match the extinguisher to the type of fire you’re dealing with.

Understanding Fire Classes

Before delving into the consequences of using the wrong fire extinguisher, it’s essential to understand fire classes. Fires are classified into different categories based on the type of fuel involved. These classes are:

Class A: Fires involving solids such as paper, cardboard or wood. These could also be any other combustible material.

Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids.

Class C: Fires involving flammable gases.

Class D: Fires involving combustible metals, like magnesium or titanium.

Electrical Fires: Not their own class of fire. These fires occur when live electrical equipment is involved in a fire.

Class F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats.

To understand more about types of fires, we have some more information that you might find helpful, HERE.

Using the Wrong Type of Fire Extinguisher 

Now, let’s examine what happens when you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire:

1. Reduced Effectiveness: The most immediate consequence is reduced effectiveness. Different types of extinguishers are designed to tackle specific fire classes. Using the wrong one means you may not be able to control or extinguish the fire effectively.

2. Fire Escalation: In some cases, using the wrong extinguisher can actually make the fire worse. For instance, using a water-based extinguisher on a grease fire (Class F) can cause the burning oil to splatter, spreading the flames.

3. Safety Hazards: Attempting to extinguish an electrical fire with a water-based extinguisher (Class A) can lead to electric shock and other serious safety hazards.

4. Damage to Property: Using the wrong extinguisher may not only fail to put out the fire but can also lead to extensive property damage. For example, using a Dry Chemical extinguisher on a sensitive electronic device can result in corrosive damage.

5. Toxic Fumes: Some extinguishing agents, when used on the wrong fire class, can produce toxic fumes. This can endanger people nearby and make evacuation necessary.

Choosing the Right Extinguisher

To avoid the consequences of using the wrong fire extinguisher, always follow these guidelines:

1. Know the fire class: Identify the type of fire you’re dealing with, and choose the appropriate extinguisher.

2. Read labels: Fire extinguishers are labelled with the fire classes they are designed for. Make sure that the label is checked before using it.

3. Training: Ensure that you and your family or colleagues are trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers.

Conclusion

Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire can lead to reduced effectiveness, safety hazards, property damage, and more. It’s crucial to understand fire classes and choose the right extinguisher for the job to maximise safety and minimise the risk of harm. Fire safety is not something to take lightly.

specialist fire extinguishers

Specialist Fire Extinguishers

by Information

Specialist Fire Extinguishers

A specialist fire extinguisher is a type of fire extinguisher that is designed and manufactured to extinguish specific types of fires involving particular classes of fire hazards. These extinguishers are intended for use in situations where conventional fire extinguishers may not be effective or safe. Specialist fire extinguishers are typically labelled with symbols and classifications to indicate the types of fires they are designed to combat.

There are several different types of specialist fire extinguishers, each designed for specific fire hazards.

L2 Dry Powder

L2 Dry Powder 9kg fire extinguisher is highly effective against a wide range of Class D general metal and lithium metal fires. Unlike other Class D fire extinguishers, the L2 Dry Powder fire extinguisher can tackle lithium fires which are very dangerous.

An L2 Dry Powder fire extinguisher great specialist fire extinguisher is designed to put out Class D fires. Class D fires are rare and challenging to put out. Because of this, they are not protected by standard fire extinguishers. Flammable metal fires are extremely hazardous and strong, making them difficult to put out. For this reason, this fire extinguisher must be used. The L2 fire extinguisher’s unique quality is its ability to put out lithium fires. Compared to M28 Powder fire extinguishers, which cannot put out lithium fires, this is its advantage.

These special powder extinguishers are designed specifically to fight combustible metal fires (Class D), such as sodium, magnesium and aluminium typically in the form of machined swarf or powder. 

In summary, L2 Dry Powder fire extinguishers offer significant protection over these fire risks but care should be taken to ensure you choose the correct type for your application and to be aware of their limitations.

Monnex Dry Powder

Monnex was developed for high-risk situations, making it ideal for all Class BCE fires. It’s a great solution for processing and storing flammable liquids including liquefied natural gas, hydrocarbon oils, petrol and fuel. Additionally, it works particularly well against industrial chemicals that are more difficult to eliminate with conventional dry chemical powders, such as alcohol, ketones, ethers, and esters.

A Monnex dry powder fire extinguisher is a type of fire extinguisher that contains a special dry chemical powder called potassium bicarbonate-based Monnex. Monnex is specifically designed to combat Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (flammable gases) and Electrical fires.

Monnex Dry Powder at first glance may seem like it is just a regular Dry Powder fire extinguisher that cannot combat Class A fires. However, Monnex Dry Powder is used for higher-risk situations and can combat higher-class fires. This is where it outshines the standard Dry Powder (ABC) fire extinguishers.

Despite their many advantages, it’s important to note that Monnex Dry Powder extinguishers may not be suitable for all fire situations. They can also create a cloud of powder that may obscure visibility and make breathing difficult, so they should be used with caution in enclosed spaces. Additionally, Monnex extinguishers should be used in accordance with their specific instructions and training to ensure safe and effective fire suppression.

M28 Powder

M28 Powder fire extinguishers are similar to L2 in the fact that they can both combat Metal or Class D fires. However, the M28 Powder extinguisher cannot fight Lithium fires. Lithium fires are among some of the most dangerous and powerful types of fire.

If you are in need of a Class D fire extinguisher but you will not have to protect against Lithium fires, M28 Powder extinguishers are the extinguisher for you. Due to them not combating Lithium fires, this makes them slightly cheaper than the L2 Dry Powder extinguisher.

Summary

Specialist fire extinguishers like L2 Dry Powder and Monnex Dry Powder serve critical roles in fire safety, with specific uses and buying reasons based on their unique properties and practicalities. L2 Dry Powder extinguishers are designed for combating flammable metal fires (Class D fires), such as those involving magnesium or lithium. Their primary use is in industrial settings where these metals are present, and their high-velocity discharge effectively blankets the fire to starve it of oxygen, making them indispensable for specialised metalworking operations. 

Monnex Dry Powder extinguishers, on the other hand, excel in handling Class B and Class C fires, including flammable liquids and gases. Their quick knockdown capability and wide application range make them valuable for chemical plants, refineries, and areas with diverse fire risks.

When considering the purchase of these specialist fire extinguishers, strict safety regulations, industry-specific requirements, and the need to protect valuable assets are usually the main reasons. Industries prone to metal fires, like aerospace or manufacturing, opt for L2 Dry Powder extinguishers to meet safety standards and protect expensive equipment.

Monnex Dry Powder extinguishers, on the other hand, are favoured by sectors dealing with flammable substances, such as oil and gas, as a versatile solution to address a range of fire hazards. In both cases, purchasing decisions are guided by compliance with safety codes, risk assessments, and the specific fire risks present in the environment.

Overall, these specialist fire extinguishers play indispensable roles in safeguarding lives, property, and industrial operations by addressing unique fire risks with tailored solutions.

Electrical Fire Stafford

Stafford man ‘loses everything’ in electrical-bike fire

by with No Comment News

A Stafford man has said he has “lost everything” after an electrical fire that started because his electric bike exploded.

Dave Bird, from Stafford, was on holiday with his children in Wales last month when he was told about the fire by his friend who was house-sitting and looking after his pets.

“Everything is just gone, the kitchen is obliterated, all my furniture, my cooker, totally devastated,” said Mr Bird.

“There are things I can’t get back, pictures of my mum and my dad who’ve both passed, items of jewellery from my dad, his fob watch and things like that. Things that the kids have made me.”

‘Totally devastated’

He continued: “The thing that really upset me was pictures of my daughter on the wall who I lost in 2010. They were totally… That really upset me.”

Mr Bird’s friend, Dan, had bought the E-bike as a gift for him to help with his mobility issues and he planned to surprise him with it when he returned home from holiday.

Shortly after putting the bike on charge, Dan heard a bang from the kitchen and the fire erupted.

Mr Bird returned from holiday to a burnt-out shell of a house after the fire had ripped through his home and destroyed all of his belongings.

‘You buy something you expect it to work’

“He plugged it in at night for a few hours to make sure it was ready for the morning when I got back and it blew up,” said Mr Bird, “he heard a fizz and a pop and then the fire just spread and everything gone, that’s it.”

“He had to go the hospital for oxygen, the kittens had to go for oxygen, I’m just thankful he got out safe,” he said.

“There’s nothing you can do, he felt like it was his fault. I said ‘You wouldn’t expect that’, you buy something you expect it to work don’t you.”

An investigation by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service found the main source of the fire was the battery charger – and they are now issuing warnings to anyone who is considering purchasing an E-bike.

To charge the bikes safely the fire service is urging people to always use the correct charger and not to charge them overnight due to the risk of bikes overheating.

“We’re seeing a rise in the number of issues we’ve got with the safety of those, particularly around the chargers,” said Tony Shore, Staffordshire Trading Standards Operations Manager.

“A lot of fires that are caused are as a result of faulty electrical goods and it’s important that you do your research before you buy them.

“Make sure that they comply with the appropriate British standards and make sure, more importantly, that they’re genuine products and they’re not counterfeit.”

The charger was bought from Amazon and Dave now wants the retailer to take it off sale.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Amazon said: “We’ve reached out to the customer directly and a full investigation’s underway. Safety is important to Amazon and we want customers to shop with confidence on our stores.

“We monitor the products sold for product safety concerns and require all products on Amazon to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

“If customers have concerns about an item they’ve purchased, we encourage them to contact our Customer Service directly so we can investigate and take appropriate action.”

Mr Bird rents his house from the council and they have told him it’ll take at least six months to rebuild it.

Lithium-ion batteries and E-bike fires specifically are a growing problem. More and more cases like this one seem to be occurring every week. These are serious matters and luckily, in this case, no one was hurt. This Stafford electrical fire incident is an eye-opener for many and should act in spreading awareness of incidents like this one.

Nottingham Lithium-ion battery fire

Three children seriously injured in Nottingham house fire caused by Lithium-ion battery

by with No Comment News

Three children were seriously injured after a house fire in Nottingham, with one suffering from severe burns. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue has issued a statement after the incident on Monday, July 10.

Firefighters were called to the blaze shortly after 5:40pm at a property on Longford Crescent in Bulwell. Fire crews from Stockhill, Arnold and Hucknall all attended the fire.

Three children were rescued from the house by a neighbour. One of these children was left with severe burns. They were all taken to hospital by ambulance, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue said.

The fire was found to have been caused by a fault in a large Lithium-ion battery. This exploded; as many Lithium-ion battery fires do; and caused severe burn injuries to one of the children.

Beth Hayman, Fire Investigation Officer, said: “We would like to wish a speedy recovery to those injured and affected in the incident earlier this week.”

“Lithium-ion batteries can be found in everyday technology and household items such as laptops, mobile phones, e-cigarettes, e-scooters and DIY tools. If not handled and cared for correctly, can become extremely dangerous and behave in a volatile manner causing catastrophic damage and injuries.”

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service will be visiting residents around Longford Cresent on Monday, July 17 to reassure residents and offer free Safe and Well visits to check smoke alarms.

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere but how are they dangerous and what causes them to start fires? Most of the time Lithium-ion batteries are safe and will never start a fire with safe and sensible usage, but when they are used with little care, this is when they can be a danger. Here at Fireology, we stress the importance of proper use of these batteries and devices with them inside.

Lithium-ion battery fires

Lithium-ion Battery Fires An Overview

by with One Comment Lithium-ion Battery Fires

The Lithium-ion battery was invented in 1982. These batteries are completely different from the standard lithium battery. Lithium batteries are the standard non-rechargeable batteries and are very safe. Lithium-ion batteries, however, are rechargeable and this is where the problems come from. Lithium-ion battery fires are not common but the odds can be increased by the wrong practices. These batteries are not unsafe as such but they certainly have their risks.

As these batteries are rechargeable they store lots of energy relative to their size. As they are so small, they are very accessible and therefore are used for all different rechargeable products of all different shapes and sizes.

As the technology has developed for these Lithium-ion batteries, they have been able to hold more and more energy relative to their size, and this is what has made them more dangerous as time has progressed. In the modern household, they can be seen everywhere from our phones, watches, laptops, earphones and even more recently popular e-bikes and e-scooters which have been shown to be the most dangerous in the latest statistics. There have been 102 fires associated with e-bikes and scooters so far in 2023. This then forecasts to 338 for the whole year. This is a massive increase from the 227 fires caused by electrical scooters and bikes in 2022.

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere but how are they dangerous and what causes them to start fires? Most of the time Lithium-ion batteries are safe and will never start a fire with safe and sensible usage, but when they are used with little care, this is when they can be a danger.

Overcharging

One of the causes of the Lithium-ion battery actually setting on fire is when the battery is overcharged. This is when the battery is constantly being charged over its optimal charge window and even still past 100%. The biggest culprit for this is people such as phone users who leave their phones charging overnight, every night. This then eventually over time wears the battery out until just one time it could explode and burst into flames.

This is also a growing problem with e-bikes and e-scooters as they are another common item that is left to charge for extended periods of time. Lithium-ion batteries have an optimal window of charge which is 30-70% and maybe 20-80% for some products. If a battery is kept in this window at all times, the wear on the battery will stay minimal for a long time, therefore leading to longer life of the battery and less chance of it starting a fire.

Overheating

Another factor is whether the battery is overheating. Overheating can be caused by many different things such as blocked ventilation or overexposure to direct heat such as the sun. With electrical cars or EVs using large Lithium-ion batteries to function, these can also have this as an added risk. In a few situations overheating due to being in extreme heat for too long has led to fires in the batteries of the electric cars. These fires are usually very dangerous as an EV has a huge Lithium-ion battery in it which then will explode into flames if this problem occurs. The battery itself is spread along the whole bottom of the car. Some cases of this have been involved with Teslas that have gone up in flames by overheating. 

Another common reason for Lithium-ion battery fires being caused by overheating is leaving products such as phones charging under objects like pillows or blankets where ventilation is poor. These fires are dangerous as they are likely in or under a very flammable material and would allow the fire to spread with ease.

Spreading knowledge and knowing about the dangers of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries is important as they are a growing danger in the modern home and in modern life in general. With these fires’ spontaneous nature and their huge dangers, e-bikes and e-scooters have been banned from all London transport systems after a number of fires on the network caused by these rechargeable vehicles. 

Disposal

Li-ion battery fires can sometimes occur after the disposal of the batteries themselves. These can happen if the battery is penetrated or crushed. These scenarios are a danger when disposing of and maybe even still at the end of the life of one of these batteries. 

When a Lithium-ion battery is penetrated, this can lead to the potent electrolytes leaking through the hole in the battery, which then often creates a chemical reaction that releases heat. This in turn heats the other cells in the battery and can lead to thermal runaway.

Thermal runaway is when a cell of the Li-ion battery enters a self-heating uncontrollable stage which leads to an explosion and then a fire. This is a huge danger when disposing of these batteries, on a domestic scale officials recommend placing and leaving the batteries in salt water for at least two weeks and then disposing of them as hazardous waste. If one of these batteries were to get to landfill and get damaged this could lead to thermal runaway and then turn into a huge fire causing the whole site to get engulfed in flames. So when disposing of and dealing with damaged Li-ion batteries please take great care.

Dealing with Lithium-ion battery fires

So if a Li-ion battery fire does occur, what are you supposed to do and how do you deal with it? If you know about fire classification, you may think these would fall into Class D fires (flammable metals). However, this is incorrect. This also means they cannot be extinguished with the Specialist Class D extinguishers like flammable metal fires can.

However, there are some types of fire extinguishers that can extinguish these very dangerous fires. Some of the latest products that are being developed and produced are AVD Vermiculite fire extinguishers and EV fire blankets. The EV fire blanket is specifically designed for electric vehicles and is placed directly over the electric car to maintain the fire. These fires are much harder to put out as these fires burn at around 700℃ to 1,000℃ and can burn for up to 24 hours. But with the EV fire blanket, it can drastically reduce this time by depriving the fire of oxygen. 

The AVD Vermiculite fire extinguishers are products aimed to try to target all types of Li-ion battery fires. They are a water-based extinguishing system with vermiculite particles suspended in the water to act as a smothering tool to stop the fire from receiving oxygen. These extinguishers are designed to deprive the fire of heat and oxygen and act as an electrical barrier. Currently, there is no British standard for these types of extinguishers and technology, so the companies that produce them are working hard to get them certified for use industrially.

Firexo

However, there is one fire extinguisher that stands out in this field. That is the Firexo all-purpose fire extinguisher. This Firexo extinguisher can be used on all types of fires, including Lithium-ion battery fires. The Firexo extinguishers that we sell have the Kitemark to BS EN3 which means that are approved to British Standards. They also have the CE mark.

These extinguishers are non-toxic and biodegradable which makes them some of the most groundbreaking products of the fire industry. To find out more about Firexo click HERE.

Lithium-ion battery fire nottingham

Warning sent after faulty laptop causes home destroying fire in Nottingham

by with No Comment News

A fire investigation into a Nottingham house fire finds that the cause was a faulty laptop. This laptop was found to have suffered a lithium-ion battery failure after being left on charge overnight. The fire that it started destroyed the home of a family of four.

Around 3:35am on June 26, the fire service was called to a house on The Crescent in Woodthorpe, Nottingham.

The smoke alarms inside the house sounded meaning the family of four had a chance to escape in time. Had the fire alarms not been installed or working, the consequences could have been devastating.

Beth Hayman, Fire Investigation Officer, said: “This is a very devastating incident in which a family lost their house and belongings.”

“I urge everyone not to continuously charge electrical devices and to ensure they are switched off at the wall socket overnight. When charging devices ensure they are charged using the manufactured product from the device provider.”

“Fortunately, due to the working smoke alarms within the property, the family managed to escape to safety. Make sure you test your alarms regularly as they save lives.”

Cases like this one emphasise the dangers of lithium-ion batteries. This simple failure could happen to anyone. Please avoid leaving electrical devices overnight or for an excessive period of time. To find out more, check out our blog on lithium-ion battery fires and the dangers of overcharging them by clicking HERE.

Lithium-ion batteries fire in Cannock

Firefighters investigating the cause of Cannock fire

by with No Comment News

Locals are given a reminder of the dangers when disposing of household waste, after a significant fire at the recycling centre in Cannock.

An investigation was launched into the cause of the fire, at the premises in Leacroft Lane was launched last Friday. Six crews attended the fire, which started just before 2pm on the day prior. Locals were advised to close all windows and doors for a significant amount of time through the afternoon.

The crews from, Cannock, Rugeley, Stafford, Lichfield and Penkridge were on site until 6:15pm when damping down began.

Cannock station manager Russ Brown, the incident commander at the scene, said: “I would like to thank the centre staff for their assistance in helping us to tackle the fire and establish some successful tactics to extinguish the blaze.”

“Without their swift actions, we could have seen the incident escalate.”

He said he would like to remind residents and businesses to ensure that they are safely disposing of their waste, particularly any Lithium-ion batteries which are often used in electronic devices. They should ensure they are stored in cool areas. As well as making sure nothing is covering them or blocking their extractors from working.

When disposing of Lithium-ion batteries, the correct action must be taken to minimise risks. To find out the practice to follow, find out in our blog post on Lithium-ion batteries HERE.

Derbion Car Fire

Derbion evacuated after a car fire in the underground car park

by with No Comment News

The Derbion shopping centre was evacuated this morning after a suspected car fire in the underground car park. Derbyshire Police and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service were on site and the entrance was taped off.

Two fire engines and three police cars were parked at the entrance to the car park, in an attempt to keep the public away from the blaze. Eyewitnesses reported that smoke was drawn through the shopping centre at around 11 am Saturday morning.

Footage seen by Derbyshire Live showed hundreds of shoppers making their way to the exits after fire alarms went off inside Derbion.

Someone who was there at the time said: “It was just crazy, people running out of the car park screaming ‘a car is on fire’. I was about to park my car and heard a massive bang! So I got out as fast as I could.”

“Big flames” were seen in the underground car park. Someone who saw the fire said they couldn’t tell what car was on fire, they just saw flames and smoke.

Most people own cars in the UK. They are usually very safe, but things like this can occur. People underestimate the danger of such events. What would you do if your car set on fire?

A small fire extinguisher is the perfect solution for your car. These extinguishers are smaller models, specifically designed for locations such as cars. These can be used in the event of a fire to stop a small flame from turning into a massive blaze. Firexo’s small fire extinguishers can be used to tackle a small flame before it escalates into something massive.