Battery Fires in the Film and TV Industry
3rd Mar 2026
Lithium-ion battery fires are one of the fastest-growing fire risks that we are currently facing. These incidents are exceptionally difficult to extinguish, and for an industry so heavily reliant on large numbers of batteries, the potential impact is significant. In recent years, battery-related fires have caused millions of pounds worth of damage to equipment and property. The image below illustrates the damage sustained by a Sony VENICE in a camera truck battery fire in Africa.
Why Are Lithium-Ion Fires So Dangerous?
The main issue with Lithium-ion batteries is the risk of thermal runaway. This occurs when a battery begins to overheat, triggering a chain reaction that spreads to neighbouring cells. This results in a self-sustaining, unstoppable cascade of fire that releases intense heat and toxic gases, differing from most conventional fires in the following ways.
- Extreme Heat - These fires can exceed 1000°C.
- Toxic Emissions - They can release hazardous gases like hydrogen fluoride, which is lethal in enclosed spaces and carries the risk of vapour cloud explosions.
- Persistent Risk - Lithium-ion fires can violently react to traditional water-based firefighting and hold the risk of reignition hours or even days after they appear to have been put out.
Causes & Prevention
| Primary Causes of Thermal Runaway | Prevention Strategies |
| Overcharging or the use of unregulated chargers | Use high-quality, manufacturer-approved devices. |
| Exposure to extreme heat or direct sunlight | Store in cool, climate-controlled environments, avoiding direct sunlight. |
| Physical damage (caused by drops, punctures or crushing) | Inspect regularly for damage or swelling and cease to use any battery that has sustained impact or shows signs of damage, ensuring it is disposed of responsibly. |
| Manufacturing defects | Use high-quality batteries from reputable manufacturers and inspect regularly. |
The Solution
Despite the clear risks and incidents our industry has experienced as a result of Lithium-ion fires, few seem to be educated on the dangers and/or follow the prevention strategies outlined above. The Volthub offers a great solution, providing a secure, segregated environment for charging and storage under controlled conditions.
The mobile, weather-proof unit is engineered with:
- Lithium-Ion Fire Suppression - Each locker is designed to contain and suppress a fire at the source with built-in suppression fluid and venting system.
- Forced Ventilation - Prevents heat buildup during charging cycles.
- Thermostatic Heater - To assist temperature regulation and maintain optimum charging conditions.
- Humidity, Gas and Smoke Detectors - For early detection.
- Automatic Power Cut Off - If the temperature exceeds 60°C
- Safety Alerts - A robust notification system that can operate without mains power, featuring audible/visual alarms and GSM phone alerts to keep you informed, even when off-site.
- IP55 rating - making it suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
- And much more
Protect yourself, your team and your kit. To learn more about the Volthub or to arrange a hire or purchase, click the link below.
Sources: Checkfire (2026), British Safety Council (2024), Armorgard (2026)
The content of this blog post is for information purposes only. Please seek advice from a qualified professional to consult on your specific requirements and circumstances to assess fire safety.