(Answer requested by Richard Janezic)
LI-ion batteries are considered Class B (flammable liquids/gases) fire hazards (info). LI-ion fires are ferocious, and the gases are nasty.
If there’s a fire, unplug the device (if plugged in), call the fire department, and then use an ABC- or BC-rated fire extinguisher (info) to suppress the fire.
In a pinch, use sand, clay cat litter, baking soda, or (last resort) water.
If the air gets bad or the fire starts to spread, just leave. Things can be replaced, but lives cannot.
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According to the FAA, water is not a last resort…it’s your first choice, because you don’t only want to put the fire out, you want to cool it, too. So a water fire extinguisher does both at the same time. If you use anything else, then you need to use water too, to cool the rest of the batteries afterwards, otherwise the rest of your batteries may overheat and also catch fire, multiplying the problem by the total batteries involved.
This FAA training video demonstrates various methods for putting the fire out, and some things not to do, such as throwing ice on it.
Great information, Thanks for the Detailed Analysis and simple solution for Extinguish Lithium Battery Fires.