NFRS 2023 77 - Battery Energy Storage Systems

You asked for

1. Does the Notts fire service have 5-year plans in place for the assessment of new risks to our fire crews and communities posed by rural, often massive Lithium“BESS farms” (Battery Energy Storage Systems)?
2. Has additional new skills training been scheduled to deal with dangerous BESS fires. (Some containers explode) Some sites will be crossed by streams. Bridgesover such streams may not support heavy fire appliances. What then?
3. There is also a risk of major pollution of waterways from such fires. How will thisbe managed/ mitigated?
4. Who is taking the lead on these new community risks posed by bulk BESS units?

Our Response

1. Does the Notts fire service have 5-year plans in place for the assessment of newrisks to our fire crews and communities posed by rural, often massive Lithium “BESS farms” (Battery Energy Storage Systems)?

   Answer: - No, we do not have a specific plan for BESS sites within Nottinghamshire. However, we do have a risk information gathering process in place that accesses andgrades risks using an appropriate scoring mechanism, this process would capture BESS sites once the service is notified or becomes aware of them. The outcome of that information gathering process would determine what level of risk information wehold for sites.

2. Has additional new skills training been scheduled to deal with dangerous BESS fires. (Some containers explode) Some sites will be crossed by streams. Bridges over such streams may not support heavy fire appliances. What then?

   Answer: - Yes, all operational crews have received awareness training around Li-ion batteries and associated uses, BESS are covered within this training that has been delivered by operational officers. Existing training, guidance and equipment is alsobeing reviewed by the services Electric Vehicle and Li-ion Battery Working Group.

3. There is also a risk of major pollution of waterways from such fires. How will this be managed/ mitigated?

   Answer: - If a fire were to occur at a BESS site, the service would mobilise a Hazardous Materials Environmental Protection Adviser (HMEPA) as part of a standard mobilising procedures for incidents where the impact of firefighting actions in relation to environmental need to be appropriately risk assessed. The HMEPA will carry out this risk assessment and liaise with the Environment Agency and Fire Incident Commander to ensure appropriate control measures are put in place where possible.

4. Who is taking the lead on these new community risks posed by bulk BESS units?

   Answer: - Work relating to BESS sites is currently monitored through the Electric Vehicle and Li-ion Battery Working Group that has representation from the relevant teams in service including Prevention, Protection, Operational Training, Risk andOperational Assurance, Response and HMEPA group.