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

- **ID:** `safety/lithium-ion-battery-fire-extinguisher`
- **Domain:** safety
- **Category:** physical_safety
- **Error Code:** `LI-ION-FIRE-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 85%

## Root Cause

Lithium-ion battery fires involve thermal runaway, which releases oxygen internally, making smothering ineffective; water-based extinguishers can react with lithium to produce hydrogen gas, causing explosions, while Class D extinguishers or specialized lithium battery fire blankets are required.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| NMC 18650 | active | — | — |
| LFP 26650 | active | — | — |
| LiPo pouch cell | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Use a Class D extinguisher (e.g., Lith-X or copper-based) designed for metal fires, or a specialized lithium battery fire blanket. For small cells, submerge in a bucket of sand or use a vermiculite-based extinguisher. Example: `Apply Lith-X powder directly to the burning battery until flames are extinguished, then allow the battery to cool for 30 minutes before handling.`** (88% success)
   ```
   Use a Class D extinguisher (e.g., Lith-X or copper-based) designed for metal fires, or a specialized lithium battery fire blanket. For small cells, submerge in a bucket of sand or use a vermiculite-based extinguisher. Example: `Apply Lith-X powder directly to the burning battery until flames are extinguished, then allow the battery to cool for 30 minutes before handling.`
   ```
2. **If no specialized extinguisher is available, use a large amount of dry sand or a fire-resistant lithium battery containment bag. Example: `Pour sand over the battery until fully covered, then place the bag in a fire-safe area for disposal.`** (75% success)
   ```
   If no specialized extinguisher is available, use a large amount of dry sand or a fire-resistant lithium battery containment bag. Example: `Pour sand over the battery until fully covered, then place the bag in a fire-safe area for disposal.`
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Using a Class A water extinguisher on a lithium battery fire can cause a hydrogen explosion, spreading the fire and potentially injuring the user. (95% fail)
- **** — Smothering with a rug or blanket does not stop thermal runaway because the battery generates its own oxygen; the fire may reignite after minutes. (85% fail)
- **** — Using a CO2 extinguisher may cool the battery temporarily but cannot stop thermal runaway, and the fire can recur after the CO2 dissipates. (70% fail)