The initial extinguishing of a battery fire must be done safely.
Small batteries (i.e. batteries up to the size of a mobile phone battery) can be extinguished by yourself, provided it is safe to do so. If you do not know what you are doing, do not try to put out the battery fire yourself.
- Always think about your own safety and the safety of others.
- Protect yourself from possible projectiles by covering the battery with a fire blanket. The fire blanket will not smother the fire, but it will protect you for a while. Stay as far away from the battery as possible.
- Unplug the charger before putting out the fire, if possible.
- If there is a steel container with a lid nearby, use the fire blanket to drop the battery into it. Do not carry the battery! Ignition can cause flames that can set clothing on fire.
- Fill the container with water or close the lid.
- You can also use a powder or foam extinguisher, but they will only slow down the battery fire. Other flammable substances will extinguish them.
- If the fire does not extinguish once it has started, or if the fire produces heavy smoke, evacuate immediately and call the emergency number.
For batteries larger than the size of a mobile phone battery, do not carry out the initial extinguishing yourself. If the battery catches fire, sound the fire alarm, evacuate the room, close the doors and windows and call the emergency number.
