A lithium fire extinguisher, such as the CommanderEDGE LFX, is a water-based extinguisher designed for small lithium-ion battery fires in devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters and handheld equipment. It is not a tool for tackling an electric car fire. UK fire services give clear advice for anyone faced with an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire: get out, stay out and call 999. For businesses, lithium-ion battery fire safety rests on three things. Prevent failures through safe charging and storage, detect problems early, and provide firefighting and containment equipment that suits your fire risk assessment.
Why lithium-ion battery fires are different
A lithium-ion cell can fail after overcharging, overheating, crushing, penetration or a short circuit. Once damaged, it can enter thermal runaway, where the cell heats itself uncontrollably and releases toxic and flammable gases. The fire can then spread from cell to cell through the rest of the battery. Lithium-ion battery fires can:
- develop quickly, with intense heat
- give off toxic smoke and flammable gases
- re-ignite after the flames appear to be out
- throw off burning material that starts secondary fires nearby
The standard for classifying fires, BS ISO 3941, was revised in 2026 and now includes a new class for lithium-ion battery fires, known as Class L. This helps duty holders recognise the hazard in their fire risk assessments. Our guide to classes of fire covers the other fire classes.
Warning signs of a failing battery
London Fire Brigade highlights these warning signs:
- the battery becomes extremely hot to the touch
- swelling, lumps, leaks or a misshapen casing
- hissing or cracking sounds
- a strong chemical smell
If you notice any of these, the Brigade advises turning off the device and unplugging it from the power source straight away, then contacting the manufacturer or retailer. If the battery catches fire, get out, raise the alarm and call 999. Do not try to tackle the fire yourself.
Safe charging and storage of e-bikes and e-scooters
The following guidance comes from London Fire Brigade and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC):
- Use the charger supplied with the battery, or one recommended by the manufacturer. Buy any replacement from a reputable seller.
- Follow the manufacturer's charging instructions, and unplug the charger once charging has finished.
- Charge while you are awake and alert. Never leave a battery charging unattended or overnight.
- Let batteries cool after use before charging them.
- Charge on a hard, flat surface where heat can dissipate.
- Do not charge or use a battery that has been dropped or damaged.
- Protect batteries from extreme heat and cold.
- Never store or charge e-bikes and e-scooters on escape routes or in the communal areas of multi-occupied buildings.
- Fit a smoke alarm where batteries are charged.
Guidance for Responsible Persons
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, building managers, landlords and employers must consider where e-bikes and e-scooters are stored and charged. A battery charging in a corridor or stairwell can block the escape route if it catches fire. Your fire risk assessment should record the type, quantity and location of lithium-ion batteries on site, together with charging arrangements and re-ignition risks. Review whether your detection, firefighting equipment and emergency plan still fit those risks, including in EV charging areas, forklift charging bays and battery stores.
Off-gas detection: warning before thermal runaway
In battery rooms, energy storage systems and large battery stores, Li-ion Tamer off-gas detection can warn of a failure earlier than smoke detection. Before thermal runaway, a failing cell vents electrolyte solvent vapours. Sensors such as the Li-ion Tamer LT-SEN-M3 detect those vapours without touching the cells. Honeywell states that Li-ion Tamer typically gives between 2 and 30 minutes' warning of a thermal runaway event, depending on the type of abuse. That time can be used to isolate the battery or start other mitigation steps. The manufacturer notes that the sensor is not a standalone safety device and should form part of a proper safety system, designed with a competent person.
Lithium fire extinguishers (LFX)
The CommanderEDGE LFX range from CheckFire is designed for lithium-ion battery fire risks. CheckFire states that:
- the agent is water-based and discharges as an endothermic foam that absorbs heat, helping to break the chain reaction in thermal runaway and stop other cells from overheating
- the agent is completely fluorine-free
- the 3, 6 and 9 litre models suit lithium-ion battery powered devices rated up to 300Wh, 600Wh and 900Wh respectively
- the 6 and 9 litre models are certified to NTA 8133, a test method for portable extinguishers on lithium-ion battery fires
- the range also carries Class A ratings (13A, 27A and 34A) to tackle secondary fires caused by exploding batteries
These ratings cover devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, handheld scanners and power tools, not an electric car battery. LFX extinguishers are for trained staff to use on a small, early-stage fire, and only when it is safe to do so. Your fire risk assessment should decide where they are needed. Browse lithium battery fire extinguishers, including the CheckFire LFX 6 litre extinguisher, or our full range of fire extinguishers. For mains-powered equipment and other electrical risks, see which fire extinguisher to use on electrical fires.
EV and lithium battery fire blankets
EV fire blankets are designed to contain a vehicle fire rather than put out the battery. Bridgehill explains that its car fire blanket is pulled over the vehicle to form a tight seal against the ground on all sides. This cuts off oxygen, traps smoke and toxic fumes, and helps stop the fire spreading to nearby vehicles and buildings. Bridgehill rates its car fire blankets for professionals and first responders. Staff should be trained before using one, or the blanket should be kept for the fire and rescue service to deploy.
Firechief describes its LithShield Tough EV Fire Blanket as suitable for containing EV fires to delay the spread of fire. It is tested to DIN SPEC 91489, and Firechief recommends that at least two people deploy it.
For loose battery packs in workshops and recycling, see the Bridgehill Lithium-ion Battery Fire Blanket and Firechief LithShield blankets and pallet covers, or all fire blankets, including car fire blankets, EV fire blankets and wheeled blanket cabinets.
Putting a lithium battery fire safety plan together
- Identify every place batteries are charged, stored or used, including e-bikes, mobility scooters, forklifts, EV chargers and battery stores.
- Keep charging and storage away from escape routes, and set clear charging rules for staff and residents.
- Make sure detection covers charging areas, and consider off-gas detection for battery rooms and energy storage.
- Choose firefighting and containment equipment for the risk: LFX extinguishers for small devices, and fire blankets for trained teams or fire service use.
- Train staff in when not to intervene, and put the "get out, stay out, call 999" message in your emergency plan.
All products supplied by JEM Systems UK are genuine, brand new and factory sealed, with fast, tracked UK delivery.
FAQs
What fire extinguisher should I use on a lithium battery fire?
Use an extinguisher designed and tested for lithium-ion battery fires, such as the CommanderEDGE LFX range, rated for devices up to 300Wh, 600Wh or 900Wh depending on size. It should only be used by someone trained, on a small fire, when it is safe. For e-bike, e-scooter and battery fires at home, UK fire services advise you to get out and call 999.
Can a fire extinguisher put out an e-bike fire?
The 9 litre LFX is rated for devices up to 900Wh, but these fires grow fast and give off toxic smoke. NFCC and London Fire Brigade advise not to attempt to tackle them: get out, stay out, call 999.
Does an EV fire blanket put out an electric car fire?
An EV fire blanket is designed to contain the fire, limit its spread and trap smoke and gases, rather than extinguish the battery. Blankets such as Bridgehill's are rated for professionals and first responders, so they should only be deployed by trained staff or the fire service.
What is a Class L fire?
Class L is the new category for lithium-ion battery fires introduced in the 2026 revision of BS ISO 3941, the standard that classifies fires by the type of fuel.
Where should staff charge e-bikes at work?
Charge them away from escape routes and communal areas, on a hard surface, in an area covered by fire detection, and never unattended, as set by your fire risk assessment.
This guide is general information; follow your fire risk assessment and a competent person's advice.