What are the fire risks associated with battery?

The battery system installed in 2020 on Decatur uses a chemical called Lithium Iron Phosphate.  This type of battery has proven to be one of the safest battery chemistries available.  This is very different from batteries as used in modern electric vehicles.  These batteries weigh more yet have an extremely low probability of thermal runaway.  In addition, there is a fire detection and suppression system installed. In 2021, OPALCO briefed all of the fire departments that would join a site tour on the battery and its operations and emergency protocols. OPALCO also briefed WA DNR, Decatur’s official fire response agency, on the battery as well.