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Our reliance on smartphones is undeniable, yet few realize the potential hazards they carry. Modern cell phones are powered by lithium-ion batteries, efficient but occasionally volatile. In rare instances, these batteries can overheat, triggering dangerous chemical fires with the potential for serious harm and property damage if not swiftly addressed. While it's impossible to predict such an event, being equipped with the knowledge to handle a fire is crucial. Your initial response should involve using a CO2 fire extinguisher; if one isn't available, dousing the flames with cold water or relocating the device to a safe area are viable options.
Steps
Extinguishing a Cell Phone Fire Using Proper Techniques
Recognize the Signs of a Cell Phone Fire. Most cell phone fires stem from what's termed 'thermal runaway' in the lithium-ion battery. Initially, dense black smoke and a distinctive burning odor are apparent. Subsequently, the battery ignites, often accompanied by small white flames or a faint reddish glow.
- Additionally, there may be audible popping or sizzling noises as the battery's chemical components react.
- When a phone ignites, surrounding materials can bubble, melt, or even explode, posing significant hazards.
- If there's suspicion of imminent danger, don't hesitate to contact emergency services.
Immediately Isolate the Phone. Keep the burning device away from flammable objects. If feasible, move it outdoors or place it on a non-combustible surface such as concrete, stone, or metal. This prevents the fire from spreading and damaging vulnerable materials.
- If smoke or a burning odor is detected while the phone is in your pocket, avoid removing it. Instead, remove your pants and shake to prevent clothing from catching fire.
- Never attempt to grab a burning phone by hand as it could result in serious injury.
Find a CO2 Fire Extinguisher. Remove the pin from the top of the extinguisher to break the safety seal and prepare it for use. Hold the metal handle with one hand and the nozzle end with the other. Direct the nozzle toward the fire and squeeze the handle to release the CO2.
- It's preferable to use a Class D fire extinguisher designed specifically for fires caused by reactive flammable metals.
- If available, substances like ABC dry chemical, powdered copper and graphite, or sand can also be used to suppress metal fires.
Thoroughly Spray the Phone until the Fire is Extinguished. Target the base of the flames to suffocate the fire's source. Move the nozzle back and forth across the flames. Continue spraying until you're certain the fire is completely out—lithium-ion battery fires have been known to reignite spontaneously, even after appearing extinguished.
- Intense heat can cause adjacent battery cells to ignite, restarting the burning process.
Extinguishing the Fire with Water
- Maintain a safe distance to avoid injury from the flames.
- Clear the area of items like paper and fabrics that could ignite if the fire spreads unchecked.
Prepare a Cold Water Container. Gather any available container—a glass, pitcher, bowl, bucket, etc.—capable of holding a few ounces of cold water. It's essential to use as cold water as possible to rapidly and completely extinguish the fire.
- Cold water reduces the temperature of the combustible chemicals in the battery cells, stopping thermal runaway.
- While lithium has a mild reaction with water, the cooling effect outweighs any potential reaction, making it effective in emergencies.
Direct the Water over the Burning Phone. Target the water flow directly onto the battery, pouring slowly and steadily to ensure maximum contact time. If the flames spread, address them as well.
- Place the phone in a sink and allow the faucet to run for continuous exposure.
Continue until the Fire is Extinguished. Refill the container with fresh water and continue dousing the phone. Remember, the thermal reaction may restart if another intact battery cell overheats. After extinguishing the fire, contact the fire department to dispose of the phone.
- For safety, saturate the phone a few more times even after the fire is suppressed.
Safely Letting a Cell Phone Burn Out
Move the Phone to a Safe Location. Place the phone on a non-flammable surface away from potential fire hazards. If possible, transport it outdoors to ensure no property damage occurs.
- Position the phone on a paved area where flames won't spread.
- Never discard a burning phone without quickly assessing the surroundings.
Allow the fire to extinguish naturally. Typically, a cell phone battery fire will subside within minutes. During this period, maintain a safe distance from the phone to avoid potential explosion hazards from increased pressure inside.
- Warn bystanders to stay away for their safety.
- You might consider using a deep pot or similar container with a lid to contain the fire, depriving it of oxygen and aiding in extinguishing the flames.
Prevent Potential Reignition. Take immediate action to either use a CO2 extinguisher or douse the phone with cold water. The risk persists if other battery cells reach ignition temperature. After ensuring the device's safety, contact the fire department for removal and inspection of any structural damage.
- Always inform local authorities following fire incidents.
Helpful Advice
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Adhere strictly to the user manual's guidelines regarding cell phone usage, charging, and storage.
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Avoid phones with known malfunctioning issues, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, even though any lithium-ion-powered phone carries a fire risk.
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Charge your phone only for the necessary duration to minimize the risk of overheating from prolonged charging.
Important Cautions
- Avoid exposing lithium-ion batteries to metal objects like keys or loose change to prevent electrical charges that could lead to spontaneous fires.
- Use only approved batteries for your phone model to minimize the risk of mishaps with mismatched or off-brand batteries.
- Cell phone fires can cause severe burns and injuries. Learn to recognize warning signs to react promptly and safely if a battery fire occurs.
- Avoid puncturing, crushing, or applying excessive pressure to your phone's battery compartment to prevent fires.
Essential Items
- CO2 fire extinguisher
- Fire suppression materials (powdered copper, powdered graphite, ABC dry chemical, etc.)
- Large container
- Cold water
- Lidded pot (optional)
