Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) thermal runaways and fires - Find a freedom of information request

1. Has Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue had any experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) thermal runaways or fires?

2. How many staff does Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue have trained In assessing BESS Safety Management Plans?

3. What planning and training has been undertaken, or Is planned In the future, for tackling a BESS thermal runaway?

4. What additional resources In terms of training, equipment, staff and finance does Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue believe will be necessary to be prepared for a BESS incident?

5. Can Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue confirm that: each of the proposed BESS sites have been assessed to confirm they have enough water to cool a major incident; the sites are bunded to prevent contaminated water entering the local ecosystem?

1. Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue (LFR) has not attended any BESS thermal Runaways or fires.

2. The assessment of BESS Safety Management Plans is a collective effort that sees members of the Integrated Risk and Community Fire Protection teams support the process. LFR has been working with the National Fire Chiefs Council and regional Fire and Rescue colleagues to ensure that all staff are aware of the latest guidance. This has allowed the Service to develop a position statement that outlines minimum standards and requirements of management plans.

3. LFR has developed an internal policy for managing planning applications, capturing minimum requirements for sites in relation to fire safety. It’s Operational Information Notes (OINs') that have been developed with support from the National Operational Guidance (NOG) team, ensure that operational crews have the most up to date operational tactics for managing this type of incident. Internal training plans outline hazards and risks associated with this type of incident, and operational procedures.

4. Risk identification and management form part of our integrated risk management planning. LFR’s process will consider risk and demand, with management plans developed to ensure that it is able to mitigate the impact of foreseeable risks.

5. LFR’s position statement outlines requirements in relation to fire safety management, e.g. water provision, automatic detection, suppression systems etc. As an application progresses, it supports the engagement process outlined in legislative guidance and work with developers to confirm local provision of safety management procedures. This process is co-ordinated through Lincolnshire County council.