Quote Originally Posted by old kodger View Post
If they are lithium batteries then the fire hazard is of the order of 4000 degrees C, and my understanding is that the only way to put it out is to wait for it to burn out.
That's a really really really! bad idea.

I Just finished some training on lithium battery safety last week.

First thing you do is evacuation, next call 911, then stay upwind and as far away as possible. Let the fire department deal with it.

For lithium metal batteries like these, a powdered copper filled extinguisher is recommended. (or graphite powder filled )
The powder starves it from oxygen, the heavy copper sucks heat up to cool it down.
Then let a professional do the cleanup.

Lithium Ion batteries are somewhat safer, but still, let professionals do the cleanup.