What is the best method to extinguish alkaline battery fires?

The best method to extinguish alkaline battery fires is to use a Class D fire extinguisher. Alkaline batteries can result in fires that involve metal and, when heated, may release flammable hydrogen gas. A Class D fire extinguisher is specifically designed for fires involving combustible metals, which includes materials like lithium that can be present in certain types of batteries.

Using CO2 or AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) may not effectively suppress fires from alkaline batteries because these agents are not formulated for metal fires and might react adversely. Water, while common in firefighting, is particularly ineffective against alkaline battery fires as it can exacerbate the fire or cause dangerous reactions with the chemicals found in batteries. Therefore, a Class D fire extinguisher is uniquely suited for safely extinguishing these types of fires without creating additional hazards.