Lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones and power tools to electric vehicles and energy storage systems—but are we fighting these fires based on facts or outdated assumptions?

In this episode of Critical Conversations, hosts Jaymie Nickerson-Buckmaster and Nick Delia sit down with Robert Duval of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to discuss the latest research on lithium-ion battery fires and what firefighters, safety professionals, facility managers, and emergency responders need to know.

Together, they explore:

🔥 The newest research findings on lithium-ion battery fire behavior
🔥 Common myths that continue to circulate throughout the fire service
🔥 Thermal runaway and what actually happens during battery failure
🔥 Effective firefighting tactics and responder safety considerations
🔥 Water application, suppression strategies, and emerging best practices
🔥 Lessons learned from real-world incidents and testing

As lithium-ion technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, understanding the science behind these incidents is critical for making informed decisions on the fireground and in the workplace.

Whether you're a firefighter, safety professional, emergency manager, or simply interested in the future of fire protection, this conversation offers evidence-based insights that challenge conventional thinking and highlight where the industry is headed next.

Listen now and join the conversation.