What should I do FIRST if a lithium-ion battery starts smoking or burning?

Your absolute first action is to evacuate all people and pets from the immediate area immediately and close the door behind you if it is safe to do so. Do not stop to grab belongings or attempt to extinguish the fire. Once you are at a safe distance (at least 50 feet for small devices, or 330 feet for large batteries like e-bikes), call emergency services (911 or 000). Your safety is the priority—the device is replaceable.

Is it safe to inhale lithium-ion battery smoke?

No, it is extremely dangerous. Lithium-ion battery smoke contains highly toxic gases including hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and heavy metal particles. Inhaling even a small amount can cause severe chemical burns to your lungs, pulmonary edema, and respiratory failure. If you have been exposed to the smoke, move to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention if you experience coughing, shortness of breath, or burning sensations in your throat or chest.

Why do lithium-ion batteries catch fire or explode?

Lithium-ion batteries catch fire due to a chain reaction called 'thermal runaway.' This occurs when a battery cell becomes damaged, overheated, overcharged, or has an internal manufacturing defect. The heat generates more heat, causing the internal electrolyte to break down into flammable gases. Because the battery produces its own oxygen, the fire is self-sustaining and can explode violently as pressure builds inside the sealed cells.

Can a lithium-ion battery reignite after the fire appears to be out?

Yes, absolutely. Lithium-ion batteries are notorious for spontaneous reignition. Even after the flames appear to be extinguished, the internal chemical reaction may still be active. Batteries have been known to reignite hours, days, or even weeks later while sitting in trash cans, dumpsters, or on driveways. That is why you should never dispose of a damaged or burned battery in regular trash. Always call emergency services to handle the scene and consult your local hazardous waste disposal guidelines.

My Lithium-Ion Battery is Smoking! What Should I Do FIRST? (A Life-Saving Guide)

Q: Can you put out a lithium-ion battery fire with a regular fire extinguisher?

No. Standard ABC dry chemical or CO2 fire extinguishers are largely ineffective against lithium-ion battery fires. They may temporarily suppress the flames, but they do not cool the battery cells. Because the fire is a self-sustaining chemical reaction called 'thermal runaway,' it will almost certainly reignite within seconds. Only Class D fire extinguishers (designed for metal fires) or large amounts of water are effective, but these should only be used by trained firefighters.

Fire Products Direct
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You have approximately 3 to 5 seconds to react.

If you see a device—whether it’s an e-bike, laptop, smartphone, or power tool—beginning to emit smoke, hiss, or catch fire, you are witnessing a chemical chain reaction called thermal runaway.

In this high-stakes moment, your instincts might tell you to grab a fire extinguisher or throw the device out the window. Do not do that.

Here is the definitive, life-saving sequence of what to do *first* when a lithium-ion battery starts smoking or burning, backed by fire safety experts and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdoFpTdXBc4

The 1 Rule: Evacuate Immediately (Do Not Pass Go)

What should you do first if a lithium-ion battery catches fire?

Your absolute first action is to evacuate all people and pets from the immediate area and close the door behind you.

Do not stop to grab your phone, wallet, or important documents. Do not stand there trying to figure out if the smoke will clear.

Here is why this is the non-negotiable first step:

- Toxic Smoke: The vapour emitted from a lithium-ion fire contains hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and heavy metal particles. Inhaling just a few breaths of this can cause severe chemical burns to your lungs and respiratory distress.

- Explosive Projectiles: As the battery cells rupture, they can shoot out flaming debris or molten metal like shrapnel.

- Speed: Thermal runaway is not a slow burn. It accelerates exponentially. By the time you decide to try and "fix" it, the fire may have doubled in size.

Pro-Tip: If it is safe to do so, close the door as you leave. This simple action deprives the fire of oxygen and contains the toxic fumes, buying you and your family critical minutes to escape.

Step 2: Get Far, Far Away

Once you are out of the building, do not stop right outside the front door.

- For small devices (phones, laptops), move at least 20 metres away.

- For larger batteries (e-bikes, electric scooters, power walls), evacuate to a distance of at least 100 meters in all directions.

Lithium-ion batteries can explode violently without warning, even minutes after the initial smoke appears. You need to be out of the blast radius and upwind of the toxic smoke plume.

Step 3: Call Emergency Services (Even if it looks out)

Should you call 000 for a battery fire?

Yes. Call immediately upon reaching a safe distance.*

Do not adopt a "wait and see" approach. Even if the flames seem to die down, the internal chemical reaction is still occurring. These batteries are notorious for **reignition**—they can spontaneously burst back into flames hours or even *days* later while sitting in a dumpster or on your driveway. Let the professionals handle the aftermath.

Fire safety kit poster showing red extinguisher, fire blanket and signs; text says Small Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety Kit.

CRITICAL WARNING: DO NOT Try to Extinguish It Yourself

This is where most people make a fatal mistake.

Can you put out a lithium-ion battery fire with a regular fire extinguisher?

No. Standard ABC dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers are virtually useless here. They can suppress the *flames* momentarily, but they do absolutely nothing to cool the battery cells. Because thermal runaway is a chemical reaction generating its own heat and oxygen, the fire **will reignite** seconds after you stop spraying.

If the battery is small (like a phone) and NOT yet smoking heavily, you can drop it into a bucket of water or sand to cool it down.

However—if it is already hissing, swelling, or smoking, you must abandon the device and run. Your life is not worth risking for a replaceable gadget.

Quick-Reference: The "3-S" Protocol

If you only remember three things from this post, remember this:

1. See Smoke* - Evacuate the room/building.

2. Shut the Door - contain the fire and fumes.

3. Summon Help - Call 000 from a safe distance.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

Q: Why are lithium-ion battery fires so dangerous?

A: They undergo "thermal runaway," where the internal temperature spikes exponentially, producing their own oxygen. This makes them self-sustaining, explosive, and extremely difficult to extinguish.

Q: What happens if you inhale lithium battery smoke?

A: You risk severe chemical pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and respiratory failure due to the presence of hydrogen fluoride and other toxic gases. Seek fresh air immediately and seek medical attention if you feel short of breath.

Q: Can I throw a burning lithium battery in water?

A: Only for tiny devices (like cell phones) *before* they burst into large flames. For large batteries (e-bikes, tools), do not throw them in water—this can cause an explosion due to the rapid reaction with lithium metal.

4L Litre Li-ion Fire Solutions Extinguisher Kit for Battery Fire

The Bottom Line for Your Safety

The single most important thing you can do in the first 10 seconds of a lithium-ion battery fire is walk away and call for help.

These batteries are incredibly energy-dense, and when they fail, they fail aggressively. Do not try to be a hero with a fire extinguisher. Do not try to carry it outside. Get your family out, close the door, and let the firefighters handle the chemical mess.

Your device is insured. Your life is not.

Did you find this guide helpful?* Share this post with your family and coworkers—it could save a life. For more battery safety tips, check out our guide on [How to Spot a Swollen Battery Before It Catches Fire].

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general fire safety information. Always follow manufacturer instructions for specific products and consult with fire safety professionals for comprehensive risk assessment and safety planning.