Ace Hardware becomes Full Circle Lithium FCL-X extinguisher distributor

Full Circle Lithium Corp. recently announced an Ace Hardware franchisee in Georgia has become the second U.S. retail partner to carry its proprietary FCL-X lithium-ion battery fire suppression agent.

Ace Hardware operates one of the largest retail hardware footprints in the United States, with approximately 5,800 locally owned and operated stores across all 50 states and more than 70 countries worldwide through its independent retailer network.

The platform provides deep penetration across suburban, rural, and urban communities, making it one of the most widely-accessible retail channels for hardware and home safety in North America.

Thermal runaway, toxic smoke, re-ignition risks

The addition of Ace Hardware franchise operators follows growing U.S. demand for lithium-ion battery fire safety solutions, driven by the rapid expansion of battery-powered consumer devices, including e-bikes, power tools, lawn equipment, home energy storage systems, and electric vehicles.

Unlike traditional structure fires, lithium-ion battery fires can escalate rapidly into thermal runaway events, producing intense heat, toxic smoke, and potential re-ignition risks that are difficult to control using conventional extinguishing agents.

Fire safety agencies across North America have increasingly highlighted the challenge posed by these incidents as adoption of battery-powered devices continues to accelerate.

Purpose-built for a growing hazard

Recent residential incidents have underscored the risk environment. In New York City alone, lithium-ion battery-related fires have resulted in hundreds of incidents annually, including multiple fatalities and significant property damage in multi-unit dwellings. In another widely-reported case, an e-bike battery fire in a San Jose, California residential building resulted in a fatality due to toxic smoke exposure and rapid fire escalation.

“These incidents are no longer rare edge cases - they are becoming a recurring household safety issue,” said Jeremy Gove, Marketing Director of the Georgia-based Ace Hardware retailer-owned cooperative. “We see FCL-X as an essential modern safety product. Conventional extinguishers were not designed for lithium-ion battery fires, which behave differently, burn hotter, and can reignite. Our decision to bring FCL-X into our stores is about giving customers access to a purpose-built solution for a growing real-world hazard.”

Increasing awareness of new response needs

FCL-X is a PFAS-free and environmentally-responsible fire suppression agent engineered specifically for lithium-ion battery-related fire events. The product is designed to rapidly cool affected battery cells and help suppress thermal runaway while minimizing environmental impact compared to legacy chemical agents.

“Expanding into Ace Hardware franchise locations is a major milestone for our retail strategy,” said Chad Carver, FCL sales and operations manager. “We are seeing increasing awareness from consumers, retailers, and first responders that lithium-ion battery fires require a different class of response. This partnership reflects that shift in real time.”