As Saudi Arabia continues to reach its Vision 2030 strategy. Modernisation and investment in smart cities, electric mobility, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure are reshaping the public sector landscape. Central to this transformation is the integration of high-power lithium-ion battery technology across a growing number of applications – from electric vehicles and mass transit to government facilities, data centres, defence systems, and renewable energy storage.
With this progress comes an under-recognised and emerging threat: lithium-ion battery fires.
For their volatility and potential to escalate rapidly, lithium battery fires present a complex safety challenge that traditional fire suppression systems are ill-equipped to manage. As public sector organisations seek to mitigate risks associated with electrification and energy storage, AVD Fire is proud to offer the only UL recognised agent for use against Lithium-Ion battery fires. AVD offers a range of Fire Extinguishers, Fire Suppression Kits, and Fire Blankets, now available across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used due to their high energy density and lightweight properties. However, when damaged, overcharged, or exposed to extreme temperatures, these batteries can malfunction and enter a state of thermal runaway — a chain reaction that causes intense heat, toxic gas release, and sometimes explosions. Once ignited, lithium-ion battery fires are incredibly difficult to extinguish and may reignite multiple times.
Consequences can be catastrophic: vehicle fires in tunnels, onboard energy storage failures in aircraft and drones, fires in public transport depots, or battery explosions in densely populated areas. Traditional water or foam extinguishers are not only ineffective in such cases but can also increase the hazard due to the nature of the chemical reaction involved.
This is why a new class of fire suppression is required — one designed specifically for lithium-ion risks.
AVD Fire, based in the United Kingdom, is a global leader in lithium-ion battery fire containment. Its range of fire suppression solutions is manufactured with Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD), a cutting-edge agent developed to cool, smother, and isolate lithium-ion battery fires quickly and safely.
AVD is non-toxic, environmentally safe, and unlike traditional agents, forms a non-conductive film over burning battery cells, preventing re-ignition and offering maximum containment.
AVD Fire’s solutions are already trusted by public sector organisations across the region, with significant milestones achieved:
These projects stand as evidence of AVD Fire’s ability to deliver tested, approved, and operationally proven fire suppression across the Middle East, making us a natural partner for Saudi Arabia’s public safety ambitions.
AVD Fire now delivers its trusted product range to the Saudi Arabian public sector through certified regional distributors. Each product is suited to specific operational and infrastructure needs across a wide variety of departments.
Available in multiple capacities (2L, 6L, 9L, and mobile trolley units), these extinguishers are designed to address small to medium lithium battery fires in government offices, public buildings, schools, and industrial control rooms. Lightweight and easy to deploy, they provide a rapid first response solution for trained personnel.
Specifically engineered to contain fires involving electric vehicles, scooters, battery-powered buses, and machinery, the EV fire blanket isolates the burning item, reduces the spread of flames, and suppresses heat and emissions. Ideal for use in transport hubs, public car parks, metro systems, and emergency response operations, it is a vital tool for fire and rescue departments as the Kingdom transitions to EV mobility.
For high-risk environments where larger battery installations are present — such as airports, data centres, industrial zones, or military bases — AVD Fire’s trolley-mounted units offer high-volume, high-capacity suppression. These are recommended for trained teams such as civil defence, airport fire services, or facility management units dealing with electric machinery, drone fleets, or backup energy systems.
Transport and EV Infrastructure
As Saudi Arabia increases its deployment of electric buses, government vehicles, and public EV charging stations, the risk of thermal runaway fires must be addressed with proactive measures. From Riyadh to NEOM, integrating lithium battery fire extinguishers at depots, stations, and maintenance yards enhances operational safety and ensures continuity of services.
Civil Defence and Emergency Services
Fire brigades and civil defence forces must be equipped with tools designed for the next generation of risks. The addition of EV fire blankets and lithium-specific extinguishers to emergency vehicles strengthens the national response capability for complex fire scenarios.
Smart Cities and Renewable Energy Systems
Smart grids, solar farms, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) — all vital elements of Saudi Arabia’s future cities — rely on lithium-ion technology. AVD’s containment solutions support safety in government-run smart infrastructure, ensuring energy resilience without compromising fire safety.
Airports, Defence and Critical Infrastructure
Airside equipment, drone surveillance units, and aviation support vehicles often depend on high-capacity lithium power. AVD’s solutions are already deployed at major international airports and military installations worldwide, offering trusted protection for high-value assets.
Education and Research Institutions
University laboratories and technical research facilities increasingly use lithium-ion batteries for advanced testing and prototype development. AVD’s portable fire suppression range offers reliable protection without interrupting academic and technical operations.
To fully support the Kingdom’s public sector and accelerate the adoption of lithium-ion fire safety technology, AVD Fire is actively seeking new business partners in Saudi Arabia.
We are looking to collaborate with established organisations in fire safety distribution, defence supply, civil defence services, and public sector procurement. A partnership with AVD Fire offers the opportunity to introduce globally proven technology into the Saudi market at a critical time of national transformation.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to excellence in public safety is reflected in its investment in forward-thinking technologies. By adopting AVD Fire’s lithium-ion battery suppression range, the Kingdom takes a critical step in safeguarding its people, infrastructure, and national progress.
All AVD products are performance-tested to international standards and supported by extensive technical documentation and training. Local support teams are available to assist in site assessments, compliance planning, and product deployment.
The S-Trust incident could have ended far worse. While the bridge was empty at the time, the outcome might have been tragic under different circumstances. Lithium-ion battery incidents are increasing across the maritime sector—and proactive safety measures are now a necessity.
AVD Fire Ltd is here to help you build resilience into your safety plan. Contact our team today to discuss lithium-ion fire protection for your vessel, transport network, or critical infrastructure.
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