Engineer and Fire Captain Patrick Durham on Battery Safety and the Moss Landing Fire

Lithium-ion batteries power everything from our smartphones to electric vehicles, but they also come with risks. In this episode of Talk of the Bay, Meilin Obinata sits down with Patrick Durham, a mechanical engineer and firefighter, to dive deep into lithium battery safety, fire prevention, and risk management.

 

Who is Patrick Durham?

Patrick Durham is an expert in mechanical engineering, firefighting, and lithium battery safety. Through his consulting business, StacheD Training, he works with fire departments, manufacturers, and businesses to educate them on the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries and how to handle them safely.

Key Takeaways:

• How Battery Fires Start – Learn what causes lithium-ion batteries to go into thermal runaway.
• What to Do in a Battery Fire – Not all fires can be extinguished with water! Patrick explains safe suppression methods for different types of battery fires.
• The Hidden Risks of DIY Energy Storage – Thinking of building your own battery backup system? Patrick shares why home-built setups can be dangerous if not done correctly.
• Fire Safety for EVs & Energy Storage Facilities – The Moss Landing fire was a wake-up call. Patrick discusses how battery storage systems can be made safer and what fire departments need to know.
• Why Cheap Batteries Can Be a Fire Hazard – The importance of using OEM-certified batteries and chargers to reduce fire risk.

Stay Safe & Stay Informed!

If you use lithium-ion batteries at home or work, knowing the risks and proper safety measures is critical.

Listen to the full episode to learn how to protect yourself and your community.

📢 Where to Find Patrick Durham:

• Website: www.stachedtraining.com
• YouTube: @StacheDTraining
• Instagram: @stachedtraining

The Future of Battery Fire Prevention & Suppression Live webinar: Tuesday 11th February 2025, 7am