All times are EDT
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. | Welcome
Steve Kerber, Ph.D., Vice President & Executive Director, the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes
Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr., D.C. Fire and EMS
Chief Corey A. Smedley, Alexandria Fire-EMS
DCFD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Introduction: Lithium-Ion Battery Challenges
Steve Kerber introduces FSRI's mission, the existing hazards in today's fire environment, and the challenges lithium-ion batteries pose for the fire service.
9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System Explosion in Arizona
Captain Hunter Clare (Peoria Fire-Medical Department) details the events leading up to the lithium-ion battery energy storage system explosion that injured him and three other firefighters in 2019.
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Break
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Hazards Associated with Electric Vehicle Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Thomas Barth, Ph.D. (Chief, Special Investigations Branch, National Transportation Safety Board) outlines the safety risks faced by emergency responders from lithium-ion battery fires in electric vehicles. He also details investigation findings and recommendations for the fire service.
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | The Science of Fire and Explosion Hazards from Lithium-Ion Batteries
Adam Barowy (Research Engineer, FSRI) shares knowledge on lithium-ion battery construction, the reasons they fail, and the process of thermal runaway. He also outlines the fire and explosion hazards as a result of thermal runaway propagation in lithium-ion batteries.
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Lunch
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Lithium-Ion e-Mobility Device Impact on the Fireground
Lieutenant John Cassidy (Hazardous Materials Company 1, FDNY) defines the impact of lithium-ion battery powered e-mobility device failure on the fireground. He also shares fire suppression and post fire extinguishment considerations for the fire service.
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Electric Vehicle Challenges for the Fire Service
Captain Evan Balcombe (FDNY) shares the evolving challenges of electric vehicle fires and suppression tactical considerations for the fire service.
3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Break
3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Energy Storage Testing and Firefighter Safety
Sean DeCrane (Director, Health & Safety Operational Services, International Association of Fire Fighters) discusses project objectives, results and preliminary findings for ESS studies conducted by IAFF, the Department of Energy, and UL.
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion
Steve Kerber, Ph.D., Moderator
Judy Jeevarajan, Ph.D., Vice President, Research, Electrochemical Safety Research Institute
Chief Otto Drozd, Executive Secretary, Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association
Chief Michael O'Brian, Board Member, International Association of Fire Chiefs
Captain Hunter Clare, Peoria Fire-Medical Department
Sean DeCrane, Director, Health & Safety Operational Services, IAFF
