Shawn Morris

Presenter

"Shawn Morris is a Senior Consultant with Energy Safety Response Group, providing technical assistance, emergency planning, and responder training for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across North America. His investigative and failure analysis experience includes involvement in major BESS and lithium-ion battery fire incidents. With more than 25 years in the Connecticut Fire Service, Shawn currently serves as a Deputy Fire Chief in Fairfield County. He is an IAAI Certified Fire Investigator and NAFI Certified Fire Investigation Instructor, with extensive experience in fire origin and cause investigations and instructional leadership. Shawn also serves with ESCI, the consulting arm of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, supporting fire departments and municipal agencies with operational and technical challenges. He has taught at Trinity College and Post University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Fire Construction and Emergency Management at Oklahoma State University. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Connecticut and received the UConn School of Public Policy Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024."

Understanding Lithium-Ion BESS Incidents: Engineering Reality Meets Fireground Operations (Thursday, October 22, 2026 - 11:30-12:45pm)

“This presentation provides Fire and EMS professionals with a practical, evidence-based overview of lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), focusing on how these systems are being deployed across the United States and what their growing presence means for public safety response. The session examines how lithium-ion BESS are designed to operate, the types of failures that have occurred, and what fire and EMS agencies can realistically expect during an incident—without exaggeration or alarmism. Using real-world case examples, current research, and applicable standards, the presentation emphasizes preparedness, scene size-up, incident management, coordination with technical specialists, and post-incident considerations. The goal is to provide responders and leaders with a clear understanding of BESS risks, limitations, and response strategies so agencies can plan effectively, train appropriately, and operate safely as energy storage systems become an increasingly common part of the built environment.”