What is a significant risk associated with lithium battery fires?

Lithium battery fires pose a significant risk primarily due to the possibility of thermal runaway and subsequent chain reactions. When water is used to extinguish a lithium battery fire, it can react with lithium, potentially causing explosive reactions and further spreading the fire. This makes it essential to use appropriate fire suppression methods, such as specific types of dry powder extinguishers, rather than water.

In contrast, lithium batteries can release flammable gases when they overheat or are damaged, and these gases can ignite, leading to intensified fires that are difficult to contain. Understanding this hazard is crucial for safety in situations where lithium batteries are present, particularly in environments such as aircraft, vehicles, or households where there is a higher concentration of electronics.