Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly common in vehicles, equipment, and personal devices. Understanding how to properly code incidents involving these batteries in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) is crucial for accurate data collection and analysis. This guide, tailored for fire incident reporters, explains the correct NFIRS coding procedures when lithium-ion batteries are present and involved in fire incidents.
Lithium-ion Batteries: Where Are They Found?
Lithium-ion batteries power a wide array of devices and vehicles. You’ll find them in:
- Mobile Property Vehicles: Hoverboards, scooters, electric and hybrid cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, boats, and motorized wheelchairs, along with their chargers. These vehicles utilize electric or hybrid power systems instead of traditional combustion engines. NFIRS classifies battery-powered mobile devices as mobile property vehicles.
- Technology Devices: Everyday tech like cell phones, tablets, laptops, and e-cigarettes.
- Infrastructure and Logistics: Structures dedicated to storing, manufacturing, repairing, and disposing of lithium-ion batteries, as well as vehicles used for transporting these batteries.
This guide provides specific coding instructions for vehicle fires ignited by lithium-ion batteries, fires in charging stations or battery storage facilities, and general incidents where lithium-ion batteries are a factor.
Coding Vehicle Fires Involving Lithium-ion Batteries
When a lithium-ion battery is the source of ignition in a vehicle fire, NFIRS prioritizes reporting under the Mobile Property Involved (Section H) module over the Equipment Involved in Ignition (Section F) module.
Basic Module Coding:
- Incident Type Code (Section C): Use codes in the 13x series.
Fire Module Coding:
- Mobile Property Involved, Mobile Property Model (Section H): Clearly specify “electric” or “hybrid” alongside the vehicle model name. Accuracy in spelling is essential.
Coding Fires in Charging Stations or Lithium-ion Battery Storage Facilities
Fires at fixed locations like charging stations or storage facilities are classified as structure fires if they occur within a building. If the fire is outdoors and not associated with a structure, it is considered a special outside fire. Both types require the Fire Module to be completed.
Basic Module Coding:
- Incident Type Code:
- Structure Fires: 11X or 12X
- Special Outside Fires: 16x
Fire Module Coding:
- Equipment Involved in Ignition (Section F): Code as “Battery charger (228)”.
- Equipment Brand and Model (Section F): Detail the charger manufacturer and model specifications.
Coding Incidents Where Lithium-ion Batteries Are Present and Involved
For any incident type where lithium-ion batteries are present and play a role, NFIRS allows you to document their presence and the extent of their involvement. This coding can be used in conjunction with the Fire Module, including the Mobile Property Involved section.
Basic Module Coding:
- Hazardous Materials Release of the Basic Module (Section H3): Select “Other (0)”.
HazMat Module Coding:
- UN Number (Section B): Enter the relevant UN number from the table below. Do not select from the dropdown list.
- Chemical Name (Section B): Manually type in the chemical name, omitting parentheses.
- Equipment Involved in Release (Section M): Code as “Battery (229)”.
Refer to the U.S. Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) for a comprehensive list of lithium-ion battery related entries. Here are some common examples:
| UN Number | Name of material |
|---|---|
| 3480 | Lithium-ion batteries |
| 3481 | Lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment or packed with equipment |
| 3536 | Lithium-ion batteries installed in cargo transport unit |
| 3171 | Battery-powered equipment or vehicle with lithium-ion batteries |
HazMat Module Coding (Optional):
- Mobile Property Involved in Release (Section N): Complete this section if applicable. It can be used alongside Equipment Involved in Release (Section M) but should not replace Mobile Property Involved (Section H) in the Fire Module.
The Importance of Narrative in NFIRS Reports
A detailed narrative is crucial for comprehensive NFIRS reporting. Utilize the Remarks field (Section L of the Basic Module) to provide a thorough description of the incident. For guidance on writing effective remarks, consult the NFIRSGram on Report Remarks — Telling the Story. Accurate and detailed reporting, especially concerning emerging technologies like lithium-ion batteries, enhances the value and reliability of NFIRS data for fire safety and prevention efforts.
