Class C Fires

Understanding Class C Fires: Flammable Gas Fires

by Classes of Fire

When it comes to fire safety, it’s essential to be well-versed in the different classes of fires and the best ways to combat them. In this blog post, we’ll focus on Class C fires, also known as flammable gas fires. Understanding these fires is crucial for your safety and the safety of those around you.

What Are Class C Fires?

Class C fires involve flammable gases. They can occur in various settings, including industrial environments, laboratories, and even in the home. These fires can be any flammable gases such as propane, butane, methane, and natural gas.

Types of Fire Extinguishers for Class C Fires

Class C is not one of the more common types of fire. This can make them a challenge to find protection for. However, there are a few types of extinguishers that can be used on Class C fires:

1. Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers (ABC): These versatile extinguishers can be used on flammable gas fires along with Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids) and Electrical fires. They typically contain a mixture of monoammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate as the extinguishing agent.

2. Monnex Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers: The Monnex fire extinguisher was created for high-risk circumstances likely on an industrial level. This fire extinguisher is given the BCE fire rating meaning it is able to combat Class B, C and Electrical fires.

3. Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers: These extinguishers use gases such as Halon, Halotron, or FM-200 to suppress fires without leaving residue. They are safe for use on Class C fires and are commonly used in data centres and other sensitive electronic environments.

Extinguishing Class C Fires

If you have to deal with a Class C fire, it is essential to use the appropriate fire extinguisher to avoid exacerbating the situation. Understanding which fire extinguisher to use and how to use them on a live fire is vital for your safety and the safety of others. Here’s how to use one of these fire extinguishers:

1. Pull the Pin: The first step is to pull the pin to break the tamper seal.

2. Aim at the Base: Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, not at the flames.

3. Squeeze the Handle: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.

4. Sweep Side to Side: Using a side-to-side sweeping motion, cover the entire fire until it is out.

Remember that safety is a priority when dealing with any fire. If a fire is out of control or you’re unsure how to use a fire extinguisher, evacuate the area and call emergency services immediately.

Examples of Flammable Gases

Understanding which gases are flammable is crucial in identifying a Class C fire. Here are some examples of flammable gases:

1. Propane: Commonly used in grills, camping stoves, and heating systems.

2. Butane: Often found in portable butane stoves, cigarette lighters, and aerosol propellants.

3. Methane: The main component of natural gas used for heating and cooking.

4. Hydrogen: Used in various industrial applications, including the production of ammonia and as a rocket fuel.

5. Acetylene: Commonly used in welding and cutting applications.

6. Ethylene: Found in certain industrial processes and used in the production of plastics.

Understanding the flammable gases in your environment is the first step in preventing potential fires.

In conclusion, Class C fires (fires fueled by flammable gases) can pose significant dangers if not handled correctly. It’s crucial to be aware of the types of flammable gases in your surroundings and have the appropriate fire extinguisher on hand. 

Safety and preparedness are key in preventing and managing fires, ensuring the well-being of both people and property.

what type of fire is a fire blankets used for

Fire Blankets: A Must-Have Safety Tool for Every Home and Workplace

by Information

Fire blankets are an essential safety tool that often goes unnoticed until a fire emergency strikes. These simple yet effective devices play a crucial role in fire prevention and suppression. In this blog post, we will explore what fire blankets are, how they work, and the various ways in which they are used to protect lives and property.

What Are Fire Blankets?

A fire blanket is a piece of fire-resistant fabric, typically made from materials such as fibreglass or a specially treated wool. They are designed to extinguish small fires by cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply, thus smothering the flames. Fire blankets are compact and easy to use, making them an ideal tool for quickly responding to early-stage fires.

How Do Fire Blankets Work?

The fundamental principle behind the effectiveness of a fire blanket is suffocation. When a fire blanket is placed over a fire, it deprives the flames of oxygen, which is essential for combustion. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how fire blankets work:

1. Identify the fire: Ensure that it’s safe to use a fire blanket on the fire, and if it’s a small, contained fire like a grease fire in the kitchen.

2. Pull the fire blanket from its storage pouch or container.

3. Hold the corners of the fire blanket and approach the fire carefully.

4. Gently lay the blanket over the fire, covering it completely and sealing off the flames’ oxygen supply.

5. Leave the fire blanket in place until the fire is extinguished or until professional help arrives.

It’s important to remember that fire blankets work most effectively on small fires. For larger fires, a fire extinguisher or immediate evacuation should be the primary course of action.

Uses of Fire Blankets

1. Kitchen Fires: One of the most common uses of fire blankets is in the kitchen to extinguish grease fires. They are invaluable for containing small stovetop fires and preventing them from spreading.

2. Fire Safety in Laboratories: Fire blankets are often used in laboratories to extinguish small chemical fires. They can also be used to protect individuals who might be in danger during a lab experiment gone wrong.

3. Emergency Fire Blanket: Fire blankets are essential components of fire safety kits, both at home and in the workplace. They are placed in strategic locations for easy access during fire emergencies.

4. Welding and Industrial Settings: A fire blanket can be used to protect against sparks, splatter, and small fires in welding and industrial settings, where hot metal and open flames are common.

5. Emergency Evacuations: A fire blanket can also be used to wrap around individuals in emergency situations to protect them from smoke and heat while exiting a burning building.

Most Common Use

Fire blankets are most commonly used to tackle kitchen fires, especially pan fires, categorised as Class F fires. These fires typically involve cooking oils, fats, and greases and are prevalent in household kitchens. When a kitchen fire erupts, a fire blanket can be quickly and effectively deployed to smother the flames.

This type of fire is the common use of these fire blankets due to them being the perfect size for the blanket to handle. The pan offers a contained location for the fire, and after it is covered by the blanket, it makes the fire very restricted and keeps the user safe.

Gently placing the fire blanket over the flaming pan, prevents the fire’s access to oxygen, extinguishing it without the need for water or other potentially dangerous extinguishing agents. Using a fire blanket in this manner not only helps prevent the fire from spreading but also minimizes the risk of injury and property damage. Kitchen fires are a common scenario where a fire blanket can prove its worth, making it an indispensable safety tool for every home.

Our Fire Blankets

The fire blankets that we offer at Fireology come in three varying sizes. These are Small (1m x 1m), Medium (1.2m x 1.2m) and Large (1.8m x 1.2m).

Conclusion

A fire blanket is a simple yet highly effective tool for fire safety. It offers a quick and easy way to suppress small fires and protect individuals in emergency situations. Every home and workplace should have one of these blankets readily available and regularly checked to ensure they are in good condition. 

Remember, while fire blankets are valuable, they are not a substitute for other fire safety measures like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Fire safety is a collective effort. Still having the right tools and knowledge is essential for preventing and managing fire emergencies effectively.

fire alarm beeping

Why Is My Fire Alarm Beeping?

by Information

We’ve all experienced it at some point, the annoying, persistent beeping of a fire alarm. It’s a sound that can instantly raise your heart rate and send you on a mission to stop it. But before you disable the alarm or simply cover your ears, it’s essential to understand why your fire alarm is beeping. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the common reasons behind those beeps and what you can do about them.

1. Low Battery Alert

One of the most common reasons for a beeping fire alarm is a low battery. Fire alarms, whether hardwired or battery-powered, have a built-in feature to alert you when their batteries are running low. This warning is crucial because a non-functional alarm can’t protect you in the event of a fire. When you hear a regular, intermittent beep, it’s time to replace the battery.

Solution: Replace the battery promptly with a fresh one. It’s a simple and effective way to ensure your alarm continues to keep you safe.

2. End-of-Life Warning

Fire alarms don’t last forever. After a certain period, typically around 10 years, they begin to lose their effectiveness. To inform you that it’s time for a replacement, the alarm will emit a consistent, chirping sound.

Solution: Replace your fire alarm if it’s reached its end-of-life or expiration date. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the lifespan of your specific alarm.

3. Dust and Debris

Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate inside your fire alarm over time. This buildup can interfere with its sensors and trigger false alarms or beeping.

Solution: Regularly clean your fire alarm by gently vacuuming or blowing out dust. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning to avoid damaging the device.

4. Environmental Factors

Extreme temperatures, humidity, or even cooking smoke can sometimes set off your fire alarm. While it may be alarming, these situations are not necessarily indicative of a fire emergency.

Solution: Try to ventilate the area, open windows, or use fans to disperse smoke or fumes. Consider relocating your alarm to a less sensitive location if false alarms persist.

5. Malfunction or Wiring Issues

Sometimes, fire alarms can malfunction or have wiring problems, leading to false beeping or alarm failure.

Solution: If you’ve ruled out other causes and the beeping continues, it may be time to consult a professional technician to inspect and repair the alarm or wiring.

Fire Alarm Beeping 3 Times?

When your fire alarm beeps, the number of beeps and their pattern often convey specific information about the alarm’s condition or the type of threat it has detected. If your fire alarm is beeping three times, it typically indicates a different situation compared to a single beep.

Three beeps might indicate a different issue. In some fire alarm models, three beeps can signal a malfunction or a sensor fault. This type of alarm pattern suggests that the alarm itself may be experiencing a problem, which could affect its ability to detect smoke or fire accurately. When you hear three beeps, it’s essential to investigate further to determine the cause.

If you hear three beeps, it’s advisable to consult the alarm’s user manual or contact a professional technician to diagnose and resolve any underlying problems. Ignoring any type of alarm signal can put your safety at risk, so always take them seriously and take appropriate action.

Conclusion

A beeping fire alarm is a signal that it’s time to take action. Whether it’s a low battery, end-of-life warning, or other issues, it’s essential not to ignore the sound. Understanding why your fire alarm is beeping empowers you to respond appropriately, ensuring your safety and peace of mind. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these warnings will help keep your home safe from fire hazards.

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.

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.