【SMM Analysis】 Los Angeles Port Affected by Lithium Battery Fire: Multiple Docks Closed, Cargo Transportation Hindered

On September 26, 2024, at noon, a significant traffic accident occurred in Los Angeles, California, USA. A semi-trailer truck loaded with lithium batteries overturned and caught fire on Highway 47, east of the Vincent Thomas Bridge. The incident not only led to severe traffic congestion but also prompted the emergency closure of several terminals at the Port of Los Angeles, including APM Terminals, Fenix Marine Services, Everport Terminal, and Yusen Terminal. Additionally, some container terminals at the Port of Long Beach were closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

In response to the accident, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) quickly dispatched a hazardous materials team to the scene. Given the unique challenges of lithium-ion battery fires, the LAFD employed a specialized strategy of allowing the fire to burn out naturally rather than attempting to extinguish it directly. This approach was taken to mitigate the environmental risks and ineffectiveness associated with using water. The LAFD estimated that the fire could persist for 24 to 48 hours.

The accident severely impacted local traffic and significantly disrupted port operations. As one of the largest ports in the United States, the Port of Los Angeles is responsible for handling a substantial volume of international trade cargo. The closure of the terminals affected the transportation and scheduling of goods.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed deep concern over the incident and commended the firefighters for their rapid response. She indicated that she is in active communication with the Port of Los Angeles leadership and officials from the California Department of Transportation to assess the impact of the port closures on operations and traffic rerouting. Efforts are underway to resolve the situation swiftly, with safety being the paramount priority.

The difficulty in extinguishing lithium battery fires can be attributed to several factors:

1. Thermal Runaway: The chemical reactions within lithium batteries can spiral out of control under certain conditions, leading to a rapid increase in internal temperature.

2. Flammable Gas Production: The electrolyte within lithium batteries can decompose at high temperatures, releasing flammable gases that may ignite when mixed with air.

3. Sustained High Temperatures: Lithium battery fires burn at high temperatures and can maintain these levels for extended periods, complicating firefighting efforts.

4. Risk of Re-ignition: Even after surface flames are extinguished, the batteries may still be at high temperatures internally, increasing the risk of re-ignition.

5. Fire Extinguishing Agent Selection: Traditional methods, such as dry powder extinguishers, may not be effective for lithium battery fires as they do not reduce internal temperatures. Water or water-based extinguishers, which can both extinguish and cool, are preferred.

6. Battery Structure: The sealed nature of lithium batteries makes it difficult for heat and flammable gases to dissipate, and for extinguishing agents to penetrate.

Specialized fire extinguishing strategies, tools, and safety precautions are essential for managing lithium battery fires.

This incident has reignited widespread concerns about the safety of transporting lithium batteries. The recent spate of lithium battery-related accidents at ports, particularly during high-temperature weather, underscores the need for heightened safety standards in the transportation of lithium batteries and hazardous materials.