Watch: Fire Blanket vs Lithium Ion Extinguisher Test

We put these tools to the ultimate test using 170 lithium-ion 18650 cells — roughly equivalent to a hybrid vehicle battery pack — to simulate a real EV thermal runaway scenario. Watch what happens when a cheap or untested fire blanket meets a lithium-ion fire, and why quality and training matter more than hype. Electric vehicle (EV) fires are not like traditional car fires. Each EV contains thousands of lithium-ion cells enclosed deep within the vehicle structure, making it extremely challenging for first responders to suppress the fire quickly.

In this test, we: Exposed 170 cells in an open-cell configuration for controlled testing Triggered thermal runaway using 450°C heat on targeted cells Tested the EV fire blanket for containment and suppression Tested the Cold Fire extinguisher for flame knockdown and cooling Used thermal imaging to monitor temperatures above 250°C

Watch: Thermal runaway is highly dynamic — real-world tactics and tools must match the fire scenario.