The Firefighter Lithium-ion Awareness and Readiness Enhancement (FLARE) Act directs the Department of Transportation to establish new safety regulations for transporting lithium-ion batteries and cells, which are widely used in everything from electric vehicles to consumer electronics. The bill specifically aims to help firefighters better respond to "thermal runaway" — dangerous fires that occur when lithium-ion batteries overheat and catch fire — by expanding federal grant programs that provide training and equipment for suppressing these specialized fires. The legislation adds lithium-ion batteries to existing definitions and grant authorities under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act, allowing federal funds to support local fire departments in acquiring thermal runaway suppression tools and training programs. By establishing clearer regulations and dedicating resources to firefighter preparedness, the bill seeks to protect both emergency responders and the public as lithium-ion battery use continues to grow across the country.
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