SACRAMENTO — Govern Newsom has signed AB 841 by Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel (D-San Diego County). This bill addresses the increasing exposure to toxic chemicals that firefighters face during lithium-ion battery fires by convening a working group to recommend improved personal protective equipment (PPE) and decontamination procedures.
This week is National Fire Prevention Week, with a theme of “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” While the national campaign highlights how individuals can protect themselves from battery fire hazards in daily life, AB 841 takes a systemic approach by ensuring California’s firefighters have the protection needed to safeguard themselves and our communities.
California leads the nation in clean energy adoption. However, lithium-ion battery fires have become more frequent and more dangerous, as show in recent incidents in Escondido, Moss Landing, and across all parts of SD County. Battery fires burn hotter and release toxins that current protective gear and decontamination processes do not fully protect against. These evolving hazards not only threaten firefighter safety but also the state’s emergency response capacity and public safety.
“Firefighters shouldn’t face new toxic threats with outdated equipment, and with AB 841 being signed into law, they won’t have to,” said Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel. “The rapid proliferation of electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries is advancing California’s green energy goals. However, without updated safety equipment for firefighters, we risk sacrificing their health, hindering emergency response, and jeopardizing public safety. AB 841 takes a long-overdue step towards addressing these risks.”
Brian K. Rice, President of California Professional Firefighters, said, “The signing of AB 841 into law marks a crucial move toward protecting the health and safety of California's firefighters and the communities they serve. As lithium-ion battery fires grow in frequency and danger, this bill ensures we are proactively addressing the risks with expert-driven solutions. We commend Assemblymember Patel for championing this effort and thank the Governor for signing the bill into law.”
As fire season begins, AB 841 is just one of several steps Assemblymember Patel has taken to protect communities in Assembly District 76, including securing state funding for brush clearance and advancing other preventative measures.
