Firefighters in Maine are using new tools and training to address the evolving risks of lithium-ion batteries

PORTLAND (WGME) – As electric vehicles and lithium-ion battery-powered equipment become more common, firefighters in Maine are adapting to the unique and unpredictable challenges presented by this advancing technology.

When these batteries catch fire, they burn hotter and faster and require significantly more water to extinguish than traditional vehicle or building fires. In response, firefighters are using new tools and undergoing specialized training to effectively combat these threats.

New tools for technology change

The Portland Fire Department recently tested a fire suppression device designed for electric vehicle (EV) fires – a high-tech blanket that smothers flames and frees responders to use hoses and other equipment.

“We can wrap the blanket around the car really quickly and that buys us a lot of time,” said Capt. Ryan Walsh of the Portland Fire Department. “It’s huge.”

The blankets, which cost about $1,600 each, were donated by Lafayette Hotels, whose Holiday Inn by the Bay had an e-bike fire in a guest room earlier this year.

“They footed the bill for the entire project and are now on three of our trucks,” Captain Walsh said. “Protecting the entire city, not just the hotel, which is great.”

ALSO READ | Portland hotel fire is part of increasing trend of lithium-ion battery fires

Managing minor battery risks

The dangers of lithium-ion batteries extend beyond electric vehicles.

At EcoMaine, a recycling facility in Portland, firefighters also trained to deal with smaller battery fires that could ignite in recycling piles.

In a recent simulation, a burning battery was immersed in a bucket of special chemicals to prevent the flames from spreading.

“The heat is very intense, it burns very quickly and with all the material we have here at the recycling center, there is paper, cardboard and things like that that are highly flammable,” said Jamie Garvin, spokesman for EcoMaine. “It’s really a perfect storm for disaster if you’re not properly trained.”

ALSO READ | Electric vehicle fires are rare in Maine, but crews say training is needed

Garvin said improperly disposed of batteries have caused several small fires at the facility this year.

The plant has invested in automated water cannons and thermal imaging cameras to detect and combat fires early, but identifying small batteries in huge piles of waste remains a challenge.

“It’s a needle in a haystack,” Garvin said. “These batteries are really, really small. Think about what you see in an e-cigarette or a toothbrush. These are hardly noticeable.”

This collaboration between EcoMaine and local fire departments allows both sides to improve their protocols and combine hands-on training with advanced fire safety tools.

“It’s a win-win for both of us,” Garvin added.

Proper disposal is critical to safety

Even small lithium-ion batteries can pose a significant fire risk if handled improperly.

The fire department urges residents not to throw these items in the trash or recycle them.

For more information on how to properly dispose of these batteries, click here.

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