SCE Battery Energy Storage System Fires

If a battery energy storage system is burning, immediately contact SCE, and wait for their personnel to arrive.

  • Isolate the area at least 300 feet in all directions. Keep unauthorized persons away.
  • Protect exposures outside of the immediate hazard area, such as trees and buildings, to prevent fire from spreading.
  • Wait for a qualified BESS SME to give the go-ahead to begin firefighting. Keep in mind that if BESS components are actively on fire, they are compromised and cannot be saved. Focus on supporting fire suppression systems from a safe distance, establish water supply for extended high-volume operations, and deploy hose lines at the standoff distance of 100 feet.
  • Use methods appropriate for the specific chemistry of the battery. For example, if ignition has occurred in a lithium-ion battery bank, use a copious amount of water to prevent propagation to adjacent battery banks.

Please click here to download FREE battery storage safety checklists.

Explore the safety training resources on energy storage and other distributed energy resources offered by the National Fire Protection Association: https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Resources/Emergency-Responders/High-risk-hazards/Energy-Storage-Systems.
SCE Battery Energy Storage System