As the use of batteries grows, so too does the need to understand how battery fires behave and what they mean for those responding to emergencies at sea. He explained that thermal runaway is at the centre of battery failure and can be triggered by damage, electrical faults or heat.
Thermal runaway is the central hazard: once triggered it can lead to intense flames, toxic smoke, explosions and re-ignition long after initial suppression attempts.
Existing shipboard fire rules and response practices were developed for conventional fires and may not address the speed, persistence and hazards of battery fires.
Search-and-rescue operations face additional risks — toxic exposure, unpredictability of ignition behaviour, and danger to rescue craft and helicopters — requiring earlier decisions, better information and tailored training.
# What the webinar covered
# Why battery fires behave differently
Thermal runaway sits at the centre of battery failure. It can be triggered by physical damage, electrical faults or heat. Once a cell enters thermal runaway it can heat neighbouring cells, accelerating the event across a battery pack.
When thermal runaway progresses, fires can develop rapidly and produce intense flames, large volumes of toxic smoke and noxious gases. Some incidents have involved explosions or repeated re-ignition after apparent control. Behaviour varies by battery type, condition and installation, so one-size-fits-all expectations are unsafe.
# System and testing gaps
Much maritime fire safety — detection, compartmentation and suppression testing — was built around conventional combustible materials and cargo. Those approaches may not capture the speed, heat output or chemical hazards associated with lithium-based battery failures. The webinar questioned whether current testing and acceptance criteria fully account for battery-specific behaviour and suggested the need for updated standards and practical guidance.
# Operational examples and consequences
The webinar referenced major incidents to show practical consequences: some fires prove extremely difficult to control and can continue for prolonged periods. These cases illustrate how firefighting resources, access routes and containment strategies that work for traditional fires can prove inadequate for battery-related events.
# Implications for search-and-rescue teams
SAR responders face several distinct hazards when approaching battery fires at sea:
Roly McKie argued that these factors require earlier decision-making and conservative approaches to closing on a burning vessel. Preparation should assume additional complexity rather than rely on standard fire protocols alone.
# Practical steps IMRF highlights
The webinar made clear that prevention is necessary but not sufficient. When prevention fails, maritime organisations and SAR services need practical plans for response.
Concrete measures discussed include:
# Next steps
The IMRF is developing guidance for rescue coordination centres and SAR responders and plans further research and awareness materials. The webinar recording is available for those who want the full discussion and technical detail.
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