Lithium batteries are in many devices. For example, in phones, computers, and electric cars.
According to the Rescue Board, there are about 40 lithium battery fires in Estonia each year. These fires are different. The battery may reignite after being extinguished. Therefore, rescuers must keep the battery in water for a long time.
Tuuli Taavet, an expert from the Rescue Board, says: "Extinguishing a lithium battery can take a long time. For cars, up to a week. For other devices, a couple of days."
If a small battery is burning, you can douse it with water yourself. If a large battery is burning, you should call the Rescue Board immediately.
Tuuli Taavet explained: "These batteries burn intensely and hotly. The risk of explosion is high. Toxic gases are produced during combustion."
Most accidents happen at night. The Rescue Board recommends: stop using damaged batteries. Do not leave the device unattended while charging.
Batteries should be in a room that is warm. Not damp or too hot. There should be no flammable items nearby. A smoke detector is useful.