The increasing prevalence of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, solar systems, and many electronic devices brings not only technological advancements but also new challenges in fire safety.
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries pose unique risks, as conventional fire extinguishers designed for standard fire types are often not adequately effective.
This can delay extinguishment and significantly increase the extent of damage and danger. In response to this issue, “FlameBlock Lithium Black” is introduced as an innovative safety solution specifically developed for lithium-ion battery fires.
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Vogt-CTE
Rescue
Business area for products related to rescue and emergency services
Vogt-CTE
Defense
Business field for products related to defense and security
Vogt-CTE
Energy
Business sector for products related to mobile power supply
Vogt-CTE Fire Retardants
Business sector for fire protection and fire safety products
LITHIUMBLACK by FIRELAB – is a specially developed fire extinguishing agent for lithium-ion battery fires. It is designed to rapidly bring battery fires under control, cool the affected cells thoroughly, and prevent re-ignition. The product is particularly suitable for areas where lithium-ion batteries are stored, charged, transported, or operated. This includes electric vehicles, energy storage, industrial facilities, charging areas, public institutions, schools, hospitals, workshops, and buildings with modern energy technology.
LithiumBlack is a viscous, water-based extinguishing agent ranging from black to brown in color. It is based on natural minerals, clay minerals, mineral salts, proprietary cooling salts, and functional additives. The product is described as non-corrosive, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly.

TheFireLab LithiumBlack is not an ordinary extinguishing agent that only combats visible flames. It has been specifically developed for the unique risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
A battery fire is significantly different from a regular fire. A lithium-ion battery can release heat, flammable gases, and oxygen under certain conditions. This means that the fire inside the battery can continue to burn even after it has been extinguished externally. TheFireLab LithiumBlack targets exactly this issue. The product cools, covers, interrupts chemical reactions, and reduces the risk of re-ignition.
It works simultaneously on multiple levels:
Thus, TheFireLab LithiumBlack is especially suitable for situations where conventional extinguishing agents reach their limits.
We consider LithiumBlack to be superior to many traditional lithium extinguishing products primarily because it addresses not only the visible flame but also multiple mechanisms simultaneously:
1. Multiple effects instead of just cooling
LithiumBlack combines rapid heat absorption, oxygen shielding, interruption of free radicals, containment of thermal runaway, and protection against re-ignition. Many conventional agents primarily work through cooling or short-term flame suppression.
2. Adhesive protective layer on the battery
The gel-like agent remains on the surface, forming a barrier and supporting continued cooling. This is intended to reduce air access and lower the risk of re-ignition.
3. Intervention in fire chemistry
The formulation is designed to influence oxidative chain reactions and free radicals. This is particularly relevant as lithium-ion batteries can release heat, flammable gases, and oxygen internally, allowing them to continue reacting even without external oxygen supply.
4. Designed for thermal runaway
LithiumBlack is specifically designed for lithium-ion batteries, not just as a universal extinguishing agent with added lithium applications. According to the documentation, it should significantly reduce battery temperature, limit thermal runaway, and prevent re-ignition.
5. Flexible application
The product can be used in portable extinguishers, fixed systems, vehicles, battery packs, and large energy storage units. This makes it interesting for BESS, charging areas, and industrial battery systems.
Lithium Black is not just an extinguishing agent but a multi-tiered system for cooling, chemical interruption, coverage, and reduction of re-ignition risk.
Less water. Less contaminated extinguishing water. Large amounts of water are often used for cooling in lithium-ion battery fires. This can produce contaminated extinguishing water, which must be collected, treated, and disposed of properly.
Lithium Black was developed to specifically reduce the cooling requirement. The extinguishing agent adheres to the affected battery, absorbs heat, forms a protective layer, and aids in interrupting the combustion reaction. This can significantly reduce the amount of additional water needed compared to purely water-based cooling.
Lower water consumption, less contaminated extinguishing water, and therefore reduced environmental impact. The actual savings depend on battery size, fire development, facility design, and deployment concept.
TheFireLab LithiumBlack was tested in a fire testing laboratory in Cape Town as part of a lithium-ion battery fire testing evaluation. The purpose of the test was to assess the extinguishing effectiveness of the product during thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries and to observe whether fire spread could be prevented. A TheFireLab LithiumBlack fire extinguisher with lithium battery extinguishing agent was tested.
Category | Specification |
Product Type | Special extinguishing agent for lithium-ion battery fires |
Application Area | Lithium-ion batteries, battery packs, battery storage, electric vehicles, charging areas, industrial facilities, buildings, and public institutions |
Extinguishing Agent Base | Mineral-based, water-based extinguishing agent with clay minerals, mineral salts, cooling salts, and functional additives |
Description | Black-brown, stable, aqueous suspension with a gel-like structure |
Operating Principle | Cooling, covering, oxygen reduction, interference with the chemical combustion reaction, and prevention of re-ignition |
Special Effect in Battery Fires | Reduces the battery temperature, forms a protective layer, and helps control thermal runaway and re-ignition |
Suitable for Fire Classes | Lithium-ion battery fires, Class A, Class C according to documentation |
Not Suitable For | Magnesium, sodium, or similar alkali metals |
Environmental Behavior | Described as non-toxic, non-corrosive, and environmentally friendly |
Post-Application Cleaning | Remove residues with water after complete cooling |
Odor | Slightly woody, due to natural antioxidants |
Color | Black to brown |
Viscosity | Approx. 200 to 400 cP |
Storage | Store in a cool, dry place, ideally below 30 °C |
Avoid Storage Conditions | Avoid prolonged exposure below -20 °C or above +50 °C |
Shelf Life | Approximately 2 years or longer with proper storage |
Control of the Extinguishing Agent | Check for possible deposits or sedimentation every 6 months |
Application | Via handheld extinguishers, mobile extinguishing devices, fixed applicators, or suitable extinguishing systems |
Application Note | Completely and evenly coat the battery; leave product on the battery initially after extinguishing |
Safety Distance During Use | Maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters from burning batteries |
Post-Check | Monitor battery for at least 60 minutes after extinguishing |
Movement of the Battery After Fire | Only move the battery when it is completely cooled down |
Personal Protective Equipment | Recommended for battery fires and in high-risk environments |
Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers | Monthly visual inspection, annual maintenance by a qualified service provider |
After Use | Immediately service, refill, or replace the fire extinguisher |
WE DELIVER INNOVATIVE FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
At Vogt-CTE, we provide our European trading partners access to unique innovations in fire extinguishing technology. Our solutions facilitate firefighting efforts, making them faster, safer, and less resource-intensive. The products we represent are highly specialized, field-tested, and make a real difference – saving lives every day. We don’t just bring products to market; we deliver progress. Together with our partners, we ensure these innovations reach those who need them most: those on the front lines conducting rescue operations.