Lithium-Ion Battery Symposium

A Firefighter's Guide to Lithium-Ion Batteries: What you need to know to keep your community and first responders safe

The Alberta Fire Training Officers Association (AFTOA) is proud to be hosting UL Research Institutes' on Saturday, September 20, 2025 in Airdrie, AB, as they present on Lithium-Ion Batteries. Topics covered will include public education on battery safety, first responder safety and firefighting tactics when responding to lithium-ion battery fires.

What to look forward to:

Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety (Public Education Program for Fire Departments)

Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we rely on every day, but they also present unique fire risks. FSRI’s latest research shows that these fires can escalate in less than a minute, sometimes causing explosions and spreading quickly through homes. In those critical first moments, communities are often on their own—making it vital to know how to act safely until help arrives.

Fire departments, as trusted safety leaders, are essential in preparing the public to prevent incidents and respond effectively. This workshop will equip participants with practical tools for community education and outreach, including guidance on safe charging and handling, proper disposal of batteries, and strategies for behavior-focused safety campaigns. FSRI will also highlight lessons from its national Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety campaign and other initiatives, providing ready-to-use resources to help protect families, property, and entire communities.

Responder Safety & Evidence-based Firefighting

This portion of the symposium provides technical training on managing lithium-ion battery fires. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the risks associated with these batteries and practical guidance for developing consistent, science-based response protocols in their communities.

Because lithium-ion battery fires present unique hazards that can challenge even experienced firefighters, this workshop will give participants a working understanding of: how and why these batteries burn differently than traditional fuels, how incident location can influence hazards, and effective strategies for managing such fires. Attendees will also learn the differences between electric and gas-powered vehicle fire behavior, along with key considerations for size-up and response to EV incidents.

Training modules will include:

• Core lithium-ion battery education, covering chemistry, failure modes, and fire behavior
• How e-mobility device fires, including e-bikes and e-scooters are evolving the fire incident timeline
• Key learnings on Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and associated hazards
• The latest FSRI research on electric vehicles (EVs), with actionable recommendations for frontline responders

Also check out other Workshops in Airdrie, Nonprofit events in Airdrie, Contests in Airdrie.