Electric and hybrid vehicles are now a common sight in Australian garages, workshops and car parks — and so are the lithium-ion batteries that power them. While EV fires are rare, the ones that do occur behave very differently to a conventional petrol fire. They burn hotter, are harder to control, and can reignite long after the flames appear to be out. For anyone who charges, services or stores EVs, having the right containment equipment on hand is no longer optional.

This guide explains why lithium-ion battery fires are different, what an EV fire blanket actually does, and how our Heavy-Duty EV Fire Blanket fits into a sensible fire safety plan.

Why lithium-ion battery fires are different

A lithium-ion battery fire is driven by a process called thermal runaway. When a cell is damaged, overcharged or overheats, it can enter a self-sustaining chemical reaction that generates intense heat — producing temperatures that can reach around 1600°C — along with toxic, flammable gases.

Three things make these fires especially challenging:

• Extreme heat: Temperatures far exceed those of an ordinary vehicle fire.
• Reignition: A battery can appear to be out and then reignite hours later as neighbouring cells continue to fail.
• Toxic gases: Thermal runaway releases hazardous fumes, so any response should be brief and from a safe distance.

Because of this, standard ABC or CO₂ fire extinguishers and conventional fire blankets are not designed for lithium-ion battery fires. The goal of the right equipment is not to magically "put out" the battery, but to contain and control the fire — limiting its spread and reducing damage until emergency services arrive.

What an EV fire blanket actually does

An EV fire blanket is a large, heat-resistant cover that is placed over a burning or smouldering vehicle or battery. Rather than extinguishing the fire, it works by containing it: smothering surface flames, suppressing the spread of fire to surrounding vehicles, equipment and structures, and helping to reduce the escape of smoke and burning debris.

This makes a fire blanket a valuable first line of defence in the critical minutes before firefighters arrive — particularly in enclosed spaces such as workshops, garages and underground car parks, where fire spread is the biggest danger.

Inside the Heavy-Duty EV Fire Blanket

Our Heavy-Duty EV Fire Blanket is built from high-silica fabric engineered to withstand sustained, extreme heat.

It is suited to forklifts and small cars in commercial environments. While there is currently no specific Australian Standard for lithium-ion battery fires, this blanket has been tested to the European EN13501 fire safety standard, and it's designed for rapid deployment when every second counts.

Who needs an EV fire blanket?

This blanket is particularly suited to environments where EVs are charged, serviced or stored in numbers, including:

• Workshops, service centres and dealerships handling EVs and hybrids.
• Fleet operators managing depots and charging facilities — see our fleet fire safety resources.
• Strata and body corporate properties with shared car parks and charging points — see our strata fire safety guide.
• Warehouses and industrial sites using forklifts and battery-powered equipment.

Using it safely — and what it won't do

• Only act if it is safe to do so. If a fire is large, spreading rapidly, or you are unsure, evacuate and wait for emergency services. Your safety comes first.
• Practise deployment in advance. Familiarise yourself with how the blanket unfolds before you ever need it — two people can deploy it faster and more safely.
• Expect reignition. A lithium-ion battery can reignite, so treat the area as hazardous until firefighters confirm it is safe.

Build a complete EV fire safety plan

A fire blanket works best as part of a layered approach. Many sites pair it with a lithium-ion fire extinguisher for early intervention and battery containment bags for smaller devices and damaged batteries. The right combination depends on your site, the vehicles you handle and your insurer's requirements.

Being prepared is about having the right plan and the right equipment ready before an emergency happens — not scrambling for them during one.

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for professional fire safety advice or emergency services. In the event of any fire, call 000 immediately.