A new approach to tackling one of the fire service’s fastest-growing hazards is being put into practice locally.
DiVal Safety announced that the Victor Fire District is among the first in the country to implement a specialized firefighting additive designed to improve response to lithium-ion battery fires, a challenge that has become increasingly common with the rise of electric devices and vehicles.
The product, known as FCL-X FD, is pre-mixed directly into apparatus tanks and is intended to enhance traditional firefighting efforts. While specifically developed to address lithium-ion battery fires by helping neutralize the chemical reaction that can cause thermal runaway, officials say it also improves performance on more common fires involving ordinary combustibles.
According to DiVal Safety, the additive provides faster cooling, increased heat absorption, and quicker knockdown times, all of which can help crews contain fires more efficiently and reduce the likelihood of re-ignition.
The Victor Fire District was recognized alongside the Cherry Hill Fire Department in New Jersey as early adopters of the technology. The rollout follows training exercises and live burn demonstrations conducted in both New York and New Jersey, including sessions held at the Ontario County Fire Training Facility.
DiVal Safety officials said the partnership reflects a broader shift in how fire departments are adapting to emerging risks, particularly as lithium-ion batteries become more prevalent in everyday life.
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