This is a very important thing that fires from lithium batteries are dangerous and challenging to put out. In comparison with normal fires, putting out a lithium battery fire with water can make it stronger, which is amazing nowadays. Being a very reactive metal, lithium may combine with water to produce explosive hydrogen gas and extreme heat. The short and simple answer is no, you should not use water to put out a lithium battery fire. But to truly understand why, let’s go into more detail.
This is very important that in the event of a battery fire, knowing how to react can help avoid major harm to individuals, belongings, and the environment nowadays in 2025. The fire may flare up or perhaps blow up as a result of this. A Class D fire extinguisher or a dry powder made especially for metal fires should be used to put out lithium battery fires.
âš¡ What Is a Lithium Battery Fire?
When a lithium battery is damaged, overheated, overcharged, or short-circuited, it can catch fire or even explode. This happens because the battery goes through a process called thermal runaway, where it overheats and causes a chain reaction inside the battery cells.
This reaction releases some things that are described as under.
- Extremely high heat (over 1,000°C or 1,832°F)
- Toxic gases
- Flames that can re-ignite even after being put out
- Lithium battery fires are also self-fueling, which means they can keep burning even without external air or oxygen.
💧 Why You Shouldn’t Use Water on Lithium Fires
Now, let’s address the main question: Can you put out a lithium battery fire with water?
No, and here’s why:
1. Lithium Reacts With Water
Pure lithium is a metal that reacts violently with water. When it contacts water, it produces:
- Heat
- Flammable hydrogen gas
- An explosive reaction
So, if you pour water on a lithium battery fire, you could make the fire worse, not better. It may cause the battery to explode or create more flames.
2. Water May Conduct Electricity
This is also very important that Lithium batteries store electrical energy. If the battery is still producing voltage and you use water, the water could conduct electricity, putting you at risk of electric shock.
3. Steam Burns and Toxic Smoke
When water hits a hot burning battery, it can create steam and smoke filled with toxic chemicals. This can harm your lungs and skin, especially in enclosed spaces.
🧯 So What Should You Use Instead?
To safely put out a lithium battery fire, here are some recommended methods:
✅ 1. Class D Fire Extinguisher
These are special extinguishers made for metal fires, like lithium, magnesium, or sodium. They use a dry powder—often copper or sodium chloride—that smothers the fire and removes heat and oxygen.
✅ 2. Lith-X or Powder Extinguishers
Products like Lith-X are designed specifically for lithium fires. They stop the thermal runaway and cool the battery down without water.
✅ 3. Sand or Dirt
If you don’t have a special extinguisher, use dry sand or soil to cover the burning battery. This blocks oxygen and slows down the fire.
✅ 4. Fire Blanket
In some cases, using a fire blanket can smother small fires from devices like phones or laptops. Make sure it’s flame-resistant and made for high-heat situations.
🚫 What NOT to Do During a Lithium Battery Fire
- Do NOT pour water on the battery.
- Do NOT use a regular ABC fire extinguisher—it might not stop the fire and can be dangerous.
- Do NOT touch or move the battery—it might explode or release hot gases.
- Do NOT try to open the device to remove the battery.
🛑 Warning Signs Before a Fire
It’s helpful to know the warning signs that a lithium battery is failing:
- The battery gets very hot while charging or using
- You hear hissing or popping sounds
- There is smoke or a burning smell
- The battery becomes swollen or bloated
- The device won’t turn on or acts strangely
If you notice any of these signs, stop using the device immediately and move it to a fire-safe area, away from flammable items.
🧠What to Do If a Lithium Battery Catches Fire
Here’s a step-by-step emergency guide:
- Stay calm.
- If it’s a small fire, use a Class D extinguisher or dry powder.
- If you don’t have that, try to cover the fire with sand, dirt, or a fire blanket.
- Do NOT use water.
- Call emergency services right away if the fire spreads or if you’re unsure.
- If it’s safe, evacuate the area.
- Do not inhale the smoke—it’s toxic.
🧯 Can Firefighters Use Water?
In some large lithium-ion battery fires, like in electric vehicles (EVs), firefighters do use large amounts of water—but not to put out the fire directly. Instead, they use water to:
- Cool surrounding materials
- Prevent fire from spreading
- Cool battery packs after fire is out
But this requires special training, protective gear, and high-pressure water systems—not something the average person should try at home.
🧪 Are All Lithium Batteries the Same?
Not quite. There are different types of lithium batteries:
- Lithium-Ion (Li-ion): Used in phones, laptops, EVs
- Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po): Used in drones, RC cars
- Lithium Metal: Used in older or specialty devices
Each type can behave differently in a fire, but all are dangerous if mishandled. However, true lithium-metal fires are the most reactive to water.
🧰 How to Prevent Lithium Battery Fires
Here are safety tips to prevent battery fires:
- Don’t overcharge your devices.
- Use original chargers and cables.
- Avoid heat—don’t leave devices in hot cars.
- Don’t use damaged or swollen batteries.
- Store spare batteries in cool, dry places, away from metal objects.
- Recycle old batteries properly—don’t throw them in the trash.
- Never puncture, crush, or burn batteries.
✅ Conclusion: Water Is NOT the Solution
To sum it up clearly: Never use water to put out a lithium battery fire. It can cause explosions, toxic smoke, and even make the fire worse.
Instead, use a Class D extinguisher, fire blanket, dry sand, or special powder designed for lithium fires. Knowing how to respond safely can protect your home, your family, and yourself.
FAQs
1. How do you extinguish a lithium battery fire?
Use a Class D fire extinguisher, dry powder (like Lith-X), or cover it with dry sand or dirt. Never use water.
2. How much water does it take to put out a lithium battery fire?
Thousands of liters may be needed in large-scale fires (like EVs), mainly to cool—not extinguish—the fire.
3. Do lithium batteries catch fire when they get wet?
Yes, if the lithium is exposed, water can cause a chemical reaction, producing heat and flammable hydrogen gas.
4. Does water destroy lithium batteries?
Yes, water can damage lithium batteries and, in some cases, cause fire or explosion.
5. Will water stop a lithium battery fire?
No. Water can make it worse by triggering violent reactions and spreading the fire.
6. What kills a lithium-ion battery?
Overcharging, overheating, physical damage, exposure to water, and deep discharging can all damage or destroy the battery.