Definition

A high-energy fire, as defined by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is a fire involving a battery other energy storage device that has components or materials with the potential to release a significant amount of additional energy that would further fuel the fire. This results in a heat release and rate of heat release that is higher that a typical Class A (ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, plastic etc.) fire, can more easily harm nearby individuals, and can be characterized as relatively unpredictable.

Further Reading

• Firefighting of General and High-Energy In-Flight Fires, FAA AC 120-80B, 16 March 2023