Miller County hosts lithium-ion battery response training for regional first responders

TEXARKANA, Ark. – Emergency responders from across the region gathered Friday, July 17, for a lithium-ion battery operations course hosted by the Miller County Office of Emergency Management, training aimed at preparing crews for a hazard that is showing up more often on Arkansas roads and in Arkansas homes.

The 101/201 Lithium-Ion Battery Operations Responder Course combined classroom instruction with hands-on training, including live demonstrations of battery failures and controlled deflagration events. The course was taught by The HazMat Guys, nationally recognized experts in hazardous materials and lithium-ion battery response.

Lithium-ion batteries power electric vehicles, cordless tools, energy storage systems and everyday consumer electronics such as smartphones. When those batteries fail, they can present hazards not found in conventional fires, including thermal runaway, toxic gas release, re-ignition after suppression and fires that resist standard extinguishing tactics.

“Miller County OEM is committed to ensuring our first responders have access to the latest training and resources needed to safely respond to emerging hazards,” said Travis Loehr, director of the Miller County Office of Emergency Management. “As lithium-ion batteries become more prevalent in our communities, and on the roads, this type of specialized training is critical for protecting our responders and the public.”

Course topics included lithium-ion battery chemistry and failure mechanisms, electric vehicle emergency response, fire suppression and cooling strategies, hazard recognition and scene safety, energy storage system incidents, and battery disposal considerations. Participants also gained hands-on experience safely extinguishing battery fires.

Miller County OEM credited the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management for supporting responder training opportunities and thanked the agencies and personnel who attended.

ADEM offers free training to county and city agencies across Arkansas throughout the year. Agencies interested in participating can view the training schedule and register at the division’s website.