# AI advises using a Class A fire extinguisher (water or foam) on a lithium-ion battery fire, or tells someone to smother it with a blanket

- **ID:** `safety/lithium-battery-fire-suppression`
- **Domain:** safety
- **Category:** system_error
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

Lithium-ion battery fires undergo thermal runaway, generating oxygen internally and reaching temperatures above 1000°C; Class A extinguishers are ineffective because water conducts electricity and can cause short circuits, while blankets fail to starve the fire of oxygen.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| NFPA 10-2022 | active | — | — |
| UL 1642-2023 | active | — | — |
| IEC 62133-2022 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Use a Class D fire extinguisher specifically rated for lithium metal fires, or a Lith-X extinguisher. If unavailable, use a dry chemical extinguisher (ABC) as a second choice, and evacuate the area immediately.** (80% success)
   ```
   Use a Class D fire extinguisher specifically rated for lithium metal fires, or a Lith-X extinguisher. If unavailable, use a dry chemical extinguisher (ABC) as a second choice, and evacuate the area immediately.
   ```
2. **For small battery fires (e.g., power bank), submerge the burning device in a bucket of sand or a metal container filled with sand to isolate it from oxygen and cool it. Do not use water.** (75% success)
   ```
   For small battery fires (e.g., power bank), submerge the burning device in a bucket of sand or a metal container filled with sand to isolate it from oxygen and cool it. Do not use water.
   ```
3. **Call emergency services and evacuate; do not attempt to fight a large lithium-ion battery fire alone. Provide the exact battery type (e.g., LiPo, LiFePO4) to responders.** (95% success)
   ```
   Call emergency services and evacuate; do not attempt to fight a large lithium-ion battery fire alone. Provide the exact battery type (e.g., LiPo, LiFePO4) to responders.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Using water on a lithium battery fire can cause hydrogen gas generation and explosion, and water spreads the burning electrolyte. (95% fail)
- **** — Smothering with a blanket does not stop thermal runaway because the battery generates its own oxygen; it only delays the fire and can reignite. (90% fail)
- **** — Using a Class C (CO2) extinguisher may cool the battery temporarily but does not stop the chemical reaction, leading to re-ignition. (85% fail)