Full Circle Lithium Triumphs Over Recycling Facility Fire Using Innovative Technology
On May 18, 2026, Full Circle Lithium Corp. (FCL) achieved a significant milestone in fire safety by successfully extinguishing a stubborn fire at a construction and demolition (C&D) landfill in Evans County, Georgia. This fire, reported to have been ignited by improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries, had burned for about three days despite continuous efforts from local fire crews. The incident served as a stark reminder of the escalating crisis posed by lithium-ion battery fires in waste management facilities across the U.S. FCL’s proprietary fire suppression technology, FCL-X™, demonstrated its effectiveness in a challenging situation that conventional suppression methods failed to address.
The fire at the Evans County landfill was reportedly ignited by the thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries, which can happen when these batteries are damaged or improperly disposed of. According to Matt Roper, a vice president of Roper Environmental Services, lithium-ion batteries pose significant risks in waste facilities. When these batteries are disturbed during collection or disposal, they can ignite, and managing those fires becomes exceedingly difficult. Traditional fire suppression techniques, like water or foam, are inadequate for such stubborn fires that tend to burn hotter and reignite easily.
In a crucial shift, after several days of ineffective traditional suppression efforts, FCL-X™ was deployed. The results were remarkable:
Chad Carver, the VP of Sales Operations at FCL, emphasized the necessity of FCL-X™ in addressing these unique fire challenges. He pointed out that lithium-ion battery fires are categorically different from conventional fires and thus require specialized solutions. "This incident is why FCL-X™ exists. These fires burn hotter, reignite more readily, and penetrate deeper than anything traditional systems can manage. FCL-X™ is not just a minor enhancement; it’s a groundbreaking solution for an industry on the brink of crisis."
The Evans County incident is not an isolated case. Reports indicate that U.S. waste facilities experience an alarming increase in lithium-ion battery fire incidents, escalating to over 5,000 annually, mainly due to improper disposal. Insurance costs for waste facilities related to catastrophic fire losses have skyrocketed, escalating from around $0.20 per $100 of insured property to as much as $10. The American Bar Association reports that, from 2013 to 2020, 64 waste facilities encountered 245 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries, demonstrating the urgent need for effective fire suppression solutions.
FCL has positioned itself to address this escalating crisis. With over 4,100 active landfill facilities across the U.S., including hundreds of municipal solid waste sites and thousands of waste collection vehicles, the potential market for FCL-X™ is immense. The traditional suppression methods currently in use are largely ineffective for deep-seated lithium thermal runaway fires, validating the necessity of FCL-X™ in this environment.
The increase in incidents involving lithium-ion batteries not only highlights a pressing operational issue but also presents serious environmental risks. Studies have demonstrated that about 98.3% of lithium-ion batteries ultimately find their way into landfills, with the U.S. EPA classifying disposed lithium-ion batteries as hazardous waste due to their ignitability and reactivity. Preliminary findings from monitoring programs indicate lithium contamination in approximately 25% of surveyed public water systems, underscoring the environmental implications of landfill fires.
FCL’s innovative solutions, including the FCL-X™, are pivotal in combatting this crisis and ensuring both public safety and environmental sustainability. As the challenges stemming from lithium-ion battery disposal continue to grow, FCL stands at the forefront, offering much-needed technological advancements that will redefine fire safety in waste management. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of continual innovation in addressing emerging safety threats in various industries.
The fire at the Evans County landfill was reportedly ignited by the thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries, which can happen when these batteries are damaged or improperly disposed of. According to Matt Roper, a vice president of Roper Environmental Services, lithium-ion batteries pose significant risks in waste facilities. When these batteries are disturbed during collection or disposal, they can ignite, and managing those fires becomes exceedingly difficult. Traditional fire suppression techniques, like water or foam, are inadequate for such stubborn fires that tend to burn hotter and reignite easily.
In a crucial shift, after several days of ineffective traditional suppression efforts, FCL-X™ was deployed. The results were remarkable:
- - The active fire was extinguished in under one hour.
- - Remaining hot spots were suppressed in less than two hours.
- - All smoldering areas were resolved within three hours.
Chad Carver, the VP of Sales Operations at FCL, emphasized the necessity of FCL-X™ in addressing these unique fire challenges. He pointed out that lithium-ion battery fires are categorically different from conventional fires and thus require specialized solutions. "This incident is why FCL-X™ exists. These fires burn hotter, reignite more readily, and penetrate deeper than anything traditional systems can manage. FCL-X™ is not just a minor enhancement; it’s a groundbreaking solution for an industry on the brink of crisis."
The Evans County incident is not an isolated case. Reports indicate that U.S. waste facilities experience an alarming increase in lithium-ion battery fire incidents, escalating to over 5,000 annually, mainly due to improper disposal. Insurance costs for waste facilities related to catastrophic fire losses have skyrocketed, escalating from around $0.20 per $100 of insured property to as much as $10. The American Bar Association reports that, from 2013 to 2020, 64 waste facilities encountered 245 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries, demonstrating the urgent need for effective fire suppression solutions.
FCL has positioned itself to address this escalating crisis. With over 4,100 active landfill facilities across the U.S., including hundreds of municipal solid waste sites and thousands of waste collection vehicles, the potential market for FCL-X™ is immense. The traditional suppression methods currently in use are largely ineffective for deep-seated lithium thermal runaway fires, validating the necessity of FCL-X™ in this environment.
The increase in incidents involving lithium-ion batteries not only highlights a pressing operational issue but also presents serious environmental risks. Studies have demonstrated that about 98.3% of lithium-ion batteries ultimately find their way into landfills, with the U.S. EPA classifying disposed lithium-ion batteries as hazardous waste due to their ignitability and reactivity. Preliminary findings from monitoring programs indicate lithium contamination in approximately 25% of surveyed public water systems, underscoring the environmental implications of landfill fires.
FCL’s innovative solutions, including the FCL-X™, are pivotal in combatting this crisis and ensuring both public safety and environmental sustainability. As the challenges stemming from lithium-ion battery disposal continue to grow, FCL stands at the forefront, offering much-needed technological advancements that will redefine fire safety in waste management. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of continual innovation in addressing emerging safety threats in various industries.
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