Forklift Fires and Lithium: A Growing Hazard and How to Contain It

what can you do about forklift fires with lithium? Read on to find out how to reduce this risk! The electrification of industrial equipment has accelerated rapidly, with lithium-ion powered forklifts now a staple in warehouses, logistics centers, ports, and shipyards. However, as adoption grows, so too does a serious and often underestimated risk: lithium battery fires.

The Danger Behind Lithium Forklift fires

Lithium-ion batteries offer a high energy density and fast charging, but they also pose unique safety challenges. Thermal runaway—a chemical chain reaction triggered by overcharging, impact, or internal defects—can lead to sudden, intense fires that are nearly impossible to stop using traditional methods.

Unlike conventional fuel-based fires, lithium battery fires are self-sustaining, release toxic fumes, and can re-ignite even after being doused. For businesses relying on forklift fleets, a single incident can cause massive operational disruptions, equipment loss, and safety hazards for staff. Read more from an Forklift training institute here.

Traditional Methods Are Not Enough

Sprinkler systems and regular extinguishers do little to control lithium-related fires. The intensity of these fires can quickly overwhelm standard fire protocols, requiring a new class of prevention and containment tools.

Liiontek offers two essential solutions designed specifically for lithium forklift fires safety:

• The Li-Fire Forklift Fire Blanket (5×5 m)
• The Lithium Fire Extinguisher (6 Liter)

1. Li-Fire Forklift Fire Blanket – First Containment, Fast

🔗 View Product here

This industrial-grade fire blanket is designed to isolate and smother lithium battery forklift fires within seconds.

Features:

• Withstands over 1,000°C – Ideal for intense battery-related fires.
• Prevents fire spread – Limits oxygen and contains projectiles.
• Quick deployment – Ideal for emergency response in high-risk areas.
• Reusable & robust – Engineered for demanding industrial environments.
• Compact and accessible – Can be mounted near charging stations or forklift bays.

Use Case: In a recent port logistics incident, a forklift battery fire was contained within 45 seconds using the Li-Fire Blanket, preventing the flames from reaching stacked cargo pallets and fuel containers.

2. Lithium Fire Extinguisher – 6 Liter: Precision Suppression

🔗 View Product here

This specialist Class D fire extinguisher is specifically engineered for lithium-ion battery fires. It uses a patented suppression agent that cools the battery, prevents re-ignition, and neutralizes toxic smoke release.

Features:

• Tested on lithium-ion and lithium-polymer fires
• Effective against thermal runaway
• Non-conductive and residue-free
• High suppression rating for compact size
• Safe for use on electric equipment

Application: Best used after initial containment with the fire blanket, or directly in smaller fires. Especially effective during charging-related incidents.

Why You Need Both: Blanket + Extinguisher = Full Protection

Each product addresses a different phase of a lithium forklift fire—together, they provide a complete safety strategy.

• During the initial outbreak, the Li-Fire Forklift Fire Blanket should be deployed immediately to contain the flames, block oxygen, and prevent the fire from spreading.
• For active fire suppression, the 6-Liter Lithium Fire Extinguisher is ideal. It cools the battery, suppresses thermal runaway, and prevents reignition—especially effective in early-stage or localized fires.
• After containment, using both products ensures the area is secure and the fire is fully extinguished, minimizing risk of flare-ups or hidden damage.

This dual-solution approach not only maximizes fire control but also ensures compliance with the highest safety standards in modern electric forklift environments.

Integrating Lithium Fire Safety in Your Facility

For facilities operating electric forklifts, we recommend:

• Installing fire blankets at key access points
• Equipping staff with certified lithium fire extinguishers
• Training personnel in lithium fire protocols
• Regular inspections of batteries and charging areas

By proactively integrating these tools, you are not only protecting infrastructure and assets—you are also demonstrating a commitment to employee safety and operational resilience.

Stay Ahead of the Risk

Lithium-ion technology is here to stay—but so are its fire risks. By equipping your facility with Liiontek’s fire containment blanket and lithium fire extinguisher, you are taking the most effective, industry-approved step toward mitigating these threats.

🔗 Explore our full lithium fire safety solutions at Liiontek.com

Act before an emergency happens—equip, train, and protect.