Battery fires in large-scale energy storage systems (BESS) have raised concerns, but a recent review by the American Clean Power Association (ACP) found that such incidents pose only minor environmental risks. According to a third-party analysis of U.S. battery fires since 2012, these fires did not lead to public health issues or significant environmental contamination. This insight is critical as the energy storage industry continues to grow, with increasing reliance on battery systems to support the transition to renewable energy.

The ACP’s review, conducted by the Fire & Risk Alliance (FRA), focused on 35 documented BESS fires, including high-profile incidents in 2023. Despite the scale of these events, the review concluded that the risks of toxic contamination, such as from hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide, were minimal. Airborne emissions were typically confined to the immediate vicinity of the fires and dissipated quickly in open-air environments. Post-incident monitoring in California and New York confirmed that no hazardous concentrations of harmful chemicals were detected, allowing local authorities to lift shelter-in-place orders swiftly.

One of the primary concerns during BESS fires is the use of large amounts of water to combat the blaze. While this method raises the potential for soil and water contamination, the review found that, in most cases, proper stormwater management practices and controlled water application minimized the risks of runoff. Allowing the fire to burn out naturally, while applying water only when necessary, emerged as a best practice for handling lithium-ion fires. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact but also helps in preventing the spread of contaminants.

While the review found that battery fires are relatively rare, it also highlighted some commonalities in the incidents analyzed. Many of the fires involved early-generation systems that were built before the implementation of modern safety standards. A significant number of these incidents occurred within the first six months of a system’s operation, suggesting that initial system vulnerabilities play a role in fire risks. Moreover, nearly 70% of the incidents took place during the operational phase, rather than during assembly, testing, or pre-commissioning stages.

The ACP also addressed the fire at Vistra Energy’s Moss Landing BESS facility in California in January 2025, which resulted in the destruction of a significant portion of the battery storage system. Although the investigation into this fire is still ongoing, environmental authorities and the facility owner found no immediate health threats from the incident. However, some residents reported unexplained symptoms weeks after the fire, leading to continued monitoring and further investigation.

In response to these incidents, the ACP released a comprehensive safety blueprint for battery storage systems. The guidelines emphasize the need for energy storage operators to adopt the latest national fire safety standards, such as those outlined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 855. The blueprint also recommends that operators of older facilities inspect their systems to ensure compliance with current safety codes. Furthermore, emergency response plans should be developed in collaboration with local communities and fire officials to ensure swift action during potential incidents.

The ACP’s safety recommendations include inspecting existing facilities built before NFPA 855 adoption and considering the use of fire barriers to enhance safety. Additionally, operators are encouraged to conduct hazard mitigation analyses and establish partnerships with local authorities to address specific safety concerns. This proactive approach is intended to prevent incidents like the Moss Landing fire from occurring in the future and to ensure that all battery storage systems adhere to the highest safety standards.

Despite the relatively low environmental risks associated with battery fires, the growing use of energy storage systems underscores the need for continued vigilance in safety and risk management. With the increased deployment of battery storage technologies to support renewable energy, ensuring their safe operation and minimizing potential risks to the environment and public health is crucial. The ACP’s report and safety blueprint provide a roadmap for addressing these concerns while enabling the energy storage industry to grow and contribute to the decarbonization of the energy sector.

While battery fires pose minor environmental risks, the industry must continue to prioritize safety through better regulations, improved technology, and enhanced fire response strategies. By adopting these safety measures, the energy storage sector can mitigate risks and ensure that battery storage remains a key enabler of the transition to a sustainable energy future.