The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) joined other agencies this week to train first responders on the safety risks posed by lithium-ion batteries.
In collaboration with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the Fire Department of the city of New York (FDNY), S&T brought together first responders, public safety leaders and subject matter experts for a two-day workshop titled Charging Forward: Public Safety in Community Electrification. The workshop focused on how lithium-ion batteries are becoming a growing public safety risk when they are misused, not safety certified, become damaged or fail.
“With the federal government making historic investments in renewable energy, lithium-ion batteries have rapidly emerged as a leading technology for energy storage,” Julie Brewer, DHS Deputy Under Secretary for Science and Technology, said. “However, the increasing number of battery-related fires demonstrates the need for us to know more about the risks to protect both first responders and the public.”
Leaders within the workshop said there is an urgent need to address the dangers the batteries pose, and that their goal is to identify research and development needs to give public safety officials the tools and resources they need as community battery electrification moves forward.
“Fire risks are evolving and so must our response,” Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator, said. “As we continue to prioritize renewable energy, we must also enable research to identify any associated fire risks and prioritize the safety of the men and women tasked with responding to fire emergencies that occur.”