The Airport Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) has taken a major step forward in its preparedness to respond to the complex and rising threat of lithium-ion battery fires. Earlier this month, Leading Firefighters Mitch Mifsud and Lee Muscat completed specialist training at the International Fire Training Centre in Teesside, UK. The course focused on the safe and effective management of lithium battery incidents across various environments. 

With lithium-ion batteries now common in many everyday devices, e-scooters, electric vehicles and within aircraft, traditional firefighting methods often fall short. The training covered in-depth knowledge of key risks, including the phenomena of thermal runaway - a chain reaction that can cause very rapid and intense fire development, toxic gas venting and explosions - situations which are particularly dangerous on-board aircraft and in any confined spaces. 

Through simulations and practical exercises, AFRS personnel were trained to respond to incidents involving: 

 Electric Vehicles (EVs): Identifying risks, and the signs of thermal runaway, isolating power sources and safe and tactics.
 Aircraft: Managing and safely containing fires in high-pressure, enclosed aviation environments.
 Domestic Settings: Addressing consumer device fires in homes, especially in high density residential areas.

As EVs become more prevalent and integrated into all areas of transport, and Gibraltar increasingly adopts electric mobility and high-tech devices, AFRS remains proactively committed to anticipating and addressing these emerging risks, particularly within its operating environment.

With this training, supported by its existing specialist equipment, the AFRS reinforces its operational capabilities and ensures it can safely protect against such evolving challenges. The vital knowledge gained will now be shared across all AFRS operational personnel to strengthen organisational preparedness and its ability to respond to any situation in a safe and effective manner.

The Minister with responsibility for the AFRS, Leslie Bruzon, said: "Well done to Leading Firefighters Mitch Mifsud and Lee Muscat on completing this vital training. As Gibraltar embraces electric transport and devices, AFRS is stepping up to meet the challenge. Preparedness for lithium-ion fires is crucial, and this specialist knowledge will be key to keeping our community safe.”