Why are Batteries at risk for catching fire on planes?

Question

Like the title says, why are batteries at risk to catching fire on planes? Why do they ask you to remove batteries from your luggage?

In: 20

Answer 1

Batteries are always a fire danger.

A battery fire is a chemical fire and can contain itself the temperature, fuel, and oxidizer to keep going no matter how much extinguisher you put on it. Quantity plays in our favor, the battery has a limited chemical energy and a small battery will soon stop burning by finishing its fuel and oxidizer content.

For the plane the problem is the risk level. Your luggage may be slammed aroud during handling increasing the risk of a broken battery, and consecutive fire.

Then there’s a way bigger stake. A battery fire in other environment is easily manageable. A small battery fire requires manual action to remove the battery and isolate it in a fireproof container/basket, or any kitchen pot or pan if you have nothing else, this prevents the fire to spread to other items. Then put the container away from people so the fumes don’t intoxicate someone.

Happening in the plane baggage compartment means no manual action, potentially spreading fire to more items; risk of uncontrolled release of toxic gas and fumes that may get to the passenger area or cockpit; fire extinguisher may be available and used, but can’t guarantee to stop the battery fire; the only option is to land asap and fix it. This comes at a massive cost for the best case scenario, and multiple injuries or death in the worse scenario.

So to recap, more likely to happen and more consequences if it happens.

Holding batteries in habited parts of the planes is way safer as actions can be taken faster and more reliably, resulting in way less consequences.