Understanding Lithium Battery Fires

On May 13, 2023, the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association welcomed FDNYDeputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb to the Selden Fire Department for a presentation on fires involving Lithium-Ion batteries. Abreakfast was held at 0900 and the seminar started at 1000. Deputy Assistant Chief Leeb shared stories and personal experiences from fires involving these combustible batteries, as well as about training and why it is important to stay ready for game day. Chief Leeb joined the FDNYin 1992, and is also an ex-Captain in the East Farmingdale Fire Company, which he joined in 1983, and the Chief of Training at the FDNYAcademy.

Chief Leeb stressed the importance to stay ready for fires involving these batteries as they can take up to 30 hours to be totally extinguished. Lithium-Ion battery fires have become more frequent over the past couple of years because of their widespread use in Vape Pens, EBikes, E-Scooters, Hoverboards, Cell Phones, Electric Vehicles, and many other devices. These fires can combust at any given moment; firefighters must also dispatch the battery properly after the fire is extinguished.

Chief Leeb has and will continue to utilize his studies in the fire service administration to educate firefighters on what to do when a Lithium-Ion battery sparks a fire. These batteries cause many injuries and there have been many fatalities involving them. The seminar was concluded at 1400.

Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb can proudly say that he has educated many firefighters and fire service members on operational and strategic considerations to safely respond and mitigate these challenging fires.

- Fire News photos by Chase Millwater