VOGT-CTE - WE DELIVER FLAME RETARDANTS

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.

THE-FIRELAB - FLAME RETARDANTS

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HYDRA-X
High-performance firefighting water additive for versatile use.

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LITHIUM-BLACK
Lithium Black quickly extinguishes and controls lithium-ion battery fires

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TITAN-ATOM
Fire protection system for the suppression of fires in electrical systems

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MASTIC
High-performance, fire-resistant paste that creates fire protection barriers

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FABRIC-SHIELD
Fabric Shield is an innovative, fire-retardant solution for fabric treatment.

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NO-PANIC
No-Panic is a drop-in solution for combating pan and grease fires

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Special Tactics for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Fires involving lithium-ion batteries differ fundamentally from traditional fires. The crucial point is: Often, it is not just a combustible external material that is burning, but a high-energy cell can continue to heat itself and trigger a chain reaction through neighboring cells. This results in particular tactical requirements for detection, approach, choice of extinguishing agents, safety, and follow-up care. An effective operational tactic for lithium-ion batteries is based on four pillars:

Early detection and rapid situational assessment
Intensive, targeted, and sustainable cooling
Consistent prevention of re-ignition through monitoring
Containment and shielding for safe handling and follow-up care

In practice, a combination is often necessary: active extinguishing + long-term cooling + safe isolation. This not only reduces risks for emergency personnel and individuals but also significantly limits property damage, environmental impacts, and subsequent costs.

Why Lithium-Ion Fires Are Tactically Different

High Energy Density
Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small space. In case of a malfunction, this energy can suddenly convert into heat. A seemingly minor defect can therefore lead to a very dynamic event.

Thermal Runaway
During thermal runaway, the cell temperature rises uncontrollably. Electrolyte evaporates, flammable and toxic gases are produced, pressure builds up, and individual cells can vent or emit flames in a “jet-like” fashion. The so-called Propagation Effect is particularly critical, as the runaway can spread from cell to cell.

Re-ignition Risk
Even after visible extinguishment, there can still be enough residual heat inside that leads to re-ignition hours later. This is especially true for modules and packs where heat is poorly dissipated.

Highly Toxic Fumes and Particles
Battery fires generate a complex mixture of toxic gases and very fine particles. This significantly impacts site hygiene, respiratory protection, spacing, and decontamination. Moreover, smoke can spread within building sections and linger for an extended period.

Tactical Goal Definition for Lithium-Ion Events

In battery incidents, the tactical objectives are often weighted differently than in “normal” fires:

Prevent or limit chain reactions (stop propagation)
Sustainably lower temperature (not just extinguish flames)
Control smoke gases and protect individuals
Prevent and monitor re-ignition
Safe isolation/containment for transport and follow-up care

In short: The flame is not the primary problem – but the temperature and the reaction inside.

Early detection and reconnaissance: Tactics begin before the fire.

Lithium incidents are often detected earlier than traditional fires when one pays attention to indicators:

unusual heat development on casings, modules, packs
hissing, cracking, popping noises
pungent chemical smell, whitish smoke, “vapor”
off-gassing without visible flames
rapid temperature increase at a single point

Tactically important is the swift categorization:

Is it a cell, module, or complete pack?
Is the battery in the device/vehicle or removed?
Is there a risk of spreading to other battery systems or flammable materials?
Is the environment closed, partially ventilated, or open?
Is there water/retention of extinguishing agents or environmental regulations?

Depending on the results, the priorities change: Cool – Isolate – Evacuate – Ventilate – Contain.

Cooling as a Core Strategy: "Much and Long" Is Not the Same as "Good"

In lithium-ion fires, cooling is the tactical center, but it must be targeted.

Targeted cooling instead of blanket spraying
The most effective strategy is to dissipate heat from the cell/module area. Simply “wetting” outer surfaces may not be sufficient if heat is trapped inside.

Continuous cooling and after-cooling
In many scenarios, a short extinguishing attack is not enough. The following are required:

continuous cooling, until the temperature steadily decreases
after-cooling phases for an extended period
monitoring to prevent re-ignition

Reduction of collateral damage through efficient means
The more efficiently the extinguishing agent binds heat and acts at the right location, the less total quantity is required. This reduces:

building damage from firefighting water
contamination of drainage
restoration efforts

Targeted application of special extinguishing agents and systems

In addition to water (as a base medium), increasingly specialized extinguishing and application agents are used to enhance effectiveness:

Additives / Surfactants / Special Agents
Depending on the product, they can:

improve wetting (better penetration depth)
increase residence time (reduce runoff)
optimize cooling effects on critical surfaces
stabilize reaction processes or reduce fire intensity

Tactically important: Specialized agents do not necessarily replace cooling, but rather improve it. The correct dosage, application method, and duration of use are crucial.

Application Aids

Extinguishing lances / Injection systems (targeted application in battery pack areas)
Water mist (smoke gas binding, cooling with reduced water volume, depending on the system)
Application devices for isolation (boxes, basins, containment solutions)

Prevention of Re-ignition: the most common tactical trap

Many operational issues intensify in the aftermath when a battery pack seems to be ‘off’ but continues to react internally.

Tactical steps to prevent re-ignition

Continuous temperature monitoring over an extended duration (not just minutes)
Clear standards for ‘stable’ (trend-based, not momentary value)
Adequate safety distance and containment
Avoiding movements/impacts on the pack while it is still unstable
Secure interim storage in appropriate areas

The central question is: Is the system thermally stable or merely temporarily ‘calm’?

Safe Containment: Isolation instead of "putting aside"

Containment in battery fires means containment and safe retention: The fire and especially the secondary hazards (heat, flame jets, smoke, re-ignition, contaminated extinguishing water) should be spatially limited to prevent it from spreading to surroundings, buildings, or additional cells. This is particularly critical for lithium-ion batteries because thermal runaway can occur: A cell overheats, releases flammable and toxic gases, and the heat can ignite the next cell. Containment thus targets three objectives:

Preventing spread
The burning or overheating battery will be, if safely possible, separated from flammable materials and moved to an area where nothing can ignite. In workplaces, this is often done with fireproof quarantine areas or fire protection cabinets. For battery packs (e-bikes, tools, storage), the most critical containment step is usually: Creating distance and preparing the surroundings so that flame jets or dripping burning parts do not ignite anything new.

Controlling heat and planning for re-ignition
Containment also means controlling the heat to prevent escalation. Practically, this often involves: intensive cooling (often with a lot of water, depending on the situation and instructions from the responders) and then long-term monitoring. Batteries can flare up again hours or days after apparently extinguishing. Therefore, containment also includes temperature control (e.g., thermal imaging camera, if available), a quarantine period, and clear rules: no returning indoors, no unsupervised storage, maintain distance.

Retaining gases and contaminated extinguishing water
An often underestimated aspect is the containment of smoke gases and extinguishing water. Battery fires can release highly toxic smoke gases. Containment here means: protecting people, cordoning off the area, preventing smoke from spreading in the building, and most importantly, sealing off drains to prevent contaminated water from uncontrollably entering sewage or soil. In professional situations, barriers, collection trays, absorbents, and collection containers are utilized.

Important practical rule: If a battery smokes, hisses, swells, has a strong smell, or becomes very hot: This is an acute warning situation. Then, containment primarily involves distance, evacuation, cordoning off, calling the fire department. Only take personal measures if it’s small and you can do so without putting yourself at risk.

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.