Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Watch: March 2025 Edition Part 1

Lithium-ion batteries have become integral to modern life, powering everything from personal electronics to electric vehicles. Yet, as their use has expanded, so has the risk they pose when damaged, improperly stored, or charged without following safety protocols. This blog post compiles real-world incidents from around the globe to highlight the increasing threat of lithium-ion battery fires, the impact on communities, and the vital role of fire prevention professionals in mitigating these hazards.

Residential Fires Involving Lithium-Ion Batteries

Brixton family make ‘extraordinary escape’ from house fire after e-bike explodes

Location: Brixton, London, United Kingdom

Summary:

A family in Brixton narrowly escaped a nighttime house fire caused by the explosion of a converted e-bike’s lithium-ion batteries. A woman and her three children managed to evacuate their split-level maisonette before firefighters arrived. The children suffered smoke inhalation, and the woman was hospitalized. The second floor was severely damaged by fire, and the third floor sustained heat and smoke damage. The fire is believed to be accidental. London Fire Brigade highlighted the risks associated with DIY battery conversions and improper charging practices.

Link to original article: South London News

Cleveland area mobile home fire leaves family homeless, grieving beloved pets

Location: Cleveland, Texas, USA

Summary:

A fire sparked by a lithium-ion battery charging a child’s Power Wheels Jeep on the front porch devastated a mobile home, leaving a family homeless. The father sustained second-degree burns on 30% of his body and was hospitalized. The mother and two children escaped safely, though they lost three of their four dogs in the fire. The family is currently staying with relatives and seeking temporary housing and donations.

Link to original article: Click2Houston

E-scooter fire - Hither Green

Location: Hither Green, London, United Kingdom

Summary:

An e-scooter fire in a first-floor flat on Castillon Road prompted a dramatic escape by three occupants who jumped from the window. The fire, believed to be caused by a lithium-ion battery failure, destroyed much of the flat and spread through internal walls. One bedroom door was blown off, and a window was shattered. The London Fire Brigade responded with 15 firefighters and extinguished the blaze in just over two hours. The Brigade emphasized their #ChargeSafe campaign, warning about the dangers of improper storage and charging of e-scooters indoors.

Link to original article: London Fire Brigade

Electronic bike fire in Holyoke apartment injures one, leaves several without home

Location: Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA

Summary:

A lithium-ion battery in an electric bicycle exploded in a Holyoke apartment, injuring one resident and displacing several others. The fire broke out at 16 West Court and was traced to the battery pack of the e-bike. The owner had attempted to remove the bike when it exploded. The victim was hospitalized with serious injuries. Fire officials highlighted that over 170 lithium-ion-related fires have occurred since late 2023 and urged the public to follow proper storage and charging guidelines.

Link to original article: WWLP

Fire caused by lithium-ion battery displaces eight in Woodland

Location: Woodland, California, USA

Summary:

An apartment fire in Woodland displaced eight residents and injured a firefighter. The fire was attributed to a charging lithium-ion battery for a scooter. Fire crews responded quickly and contained the fire. Officials reiterated safety tips for lithium-ion batteries, including using UL-listed chargers, avoiding charging near flammable items, and discontinuing use if the battery overheats or is damaged.

Link to original article: FOX40 News

Fire caused by short-circuited charger in To Kwa Wan hospitalizes two

Location: To Kwa Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Summary:

A residential unit fire caused by a short-circuited battery charger led to two hospitalizations in To Kwa Wan. The incident occurred in a tenement building on Ma Tau Wai Road. The tenant and her domestic helper were treated for smoke inhalation. The fire was extinguished within 15 minutes by responding firefighters. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause.

Link to original article: The Standard

Girrawheen house fire sparked by lithium-ion battery from e-scooter

Location: Girrawheen, Western Australia, Australia

Summary:

A lithium-ion battery from an e-scooter sparked a fire outside a home on Morgan Way, which then spread indoors, particularly through the kitchen. Fire crews arrived just after 3 p.m. and contained the blaze by 3:30 p.m. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation. Roughly 90% of the home was smoke-logged and 10% sustained fire damage. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services noted a rising number of battery-related fires in the region.

Link to original article: The West Australian

Scottish mum's horror as e-bike charger explodes 'like a firework' and destroys home

Location: Jedburgh, Scottish Borders, United Kingdom

Summary:

A lithium-ion battery for a child’s e-bike exploded inside a home in Jedburgh, igniting a fire that destroyed the residence. The explosion occurred after the battery had been disconnected from its charger for about an hour. Rosie Dobson and her children escaped unharmed, though all belongings were lost. The battery was a replacement unit from an online retailer. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire was caused by the ignition of the e-bike battery.

Link to original article: Edinburgh Live

Golf cart with battery charging ignites blaze at home in The Villages

Location: The Villages, Florida, USA

Summary:

A fire broke out in the garage of a home in The Village of Summerhill due to a lithium-ion battery in a golf cart that was charging at the time. The blaze caused heavy smoke and damage to the golf cart, a nearby vehicle, and the garage. Firefighters arrived within five minutes and quickly extinguished the flames, confirming that the area of origin was the golf cart’s battery. No injuries were reported.

Link to original article: Villages-News.com

Hyderabad: Fire breaks out flat due to battery explosion

Location: Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

Summary:

A battery explosion inside a flat in Anarkali Plaza, Latifabad Unit No. 7, sparked a fire that destroyed household belongings. The fire was promptly brought under control by the Sindh Emergency Rescue Service. No injuries or fatalities were reported. The exact type of battery was not specified, though it was described as an explosion-related incident.

Link to original article: The Nation

Lithium-ion battery sparks house fire in Ellendale

Location: Ellendale, Delaware, USA

Summary:

A lithium-ion battery in a charging iPad ignited a fire in an unoccupied two-story home on Willow Street in Ellendale. The fire, discovered after a neighbor heard a smoke alarm and saw smoke, was confirmed in the living room. Firefighters from Ellendale and Milton extinguished the blaze. The Fire Marshal’s Office emphasized the importance of working smoke alarms.

Link to original article: CoastTV

Three Killed in San Leandro (CA) House Fire; E-Bike Battery Suspected as Cause

Location: San Leandro, California, USA

Summary:

A devastating house fire early Thursday morning in San Leandro killed three family members, including a child. Fire officials believe the fire began with an e-bike battery charging inside the home. The blaze blocked the exit route, trapping the victims. Five others were hospitalized. The fire occurred on Altamont Road around 5:25 a.m. and fully engulfed the home by the time firefighters arrived.

Link to original article: Fire Engineering

Torquay blaze caused by e-bike charger

Location: Torquay, Victoria, Australia

Summary:

A fire in a garage on Island Drive in Torquay was caused by a lithium-ion battery failure in an e-bike charger. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. and was first noticed due to loud explosions that woke residents. Although the fire was extinguished before firefighters arrived, the home was filled with toxic smoke. Authorities reminded residents not to use aftermarket chargers and to follow safety protocols for charging lithium-ion devices.

Link to original article: Bay 93.9

Transportation and Industrial Battery Incidents

Brenham Fire Department Responds to Two Calls on Friday

Location: Chappell Hill, Texas, USA

Summary:

A fire in a small building on Highway 290 East in Chappell Hill was traced to a lithium-ion battery that ignited beneath the structure. The battery caused the floor and some contents inside to catch fire. Firefighters from Brenham and Chappell Hill responded and cooled the batteries to a safe temperature after extinguishing the fire. No injuries or structural occupancy details were reported.

Link to original article: KWHI

Commuter’s power bank catches fire in Singapore MRT train

Location: Singapore

Summary:

A power bank inside a commuter’s handbag ignited while on a crowded MRT train in Singapore, forcing the evacuation of all 650 passengers. The device was not in use at the time but erupted suddenly, filling the car with smoke. The commuter, Ms. Chen, suffered minor soot exposure but did not require hospitalization. The fire was quickly addressed by MRT staff, and services resumed without delay. The Singapore Civil Defence Force identified the source as electrical in origin, likely from the lithium-ion battery in the power bank.

Link to original article: Free Malaysia Today

Watch the moment 'worrying' bin lorry fire forces vehicle to dump 2 tonnes of waste

Location: Tower Hamlets, London, United Kingdom

Summary:

A recycling truck operated by Tower Hamlets Council caught fire while collecting waste near the Bancroft Estate. The fire originated from improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries from a broken electric bike. Flames emerged from a bin, prompting the crew to eject two tons of waste onto the street. London Fire Brigade extinguished the fire on-site. No injuries were reported, but the incident caused cosmetic damage to the vehicle. Authorities emphasized the importance of proper battery disposal at designated recycling centers.

Link to original article: My London

Short Circuit in Battery Pack Likely Caused Air Busan Fire

Location: Gimhae International Airport, Busan, South Korea

Summary:

A fire aboard Air Busan Flight BX391 on January 28 was likely caused by a short circuit in a passenger’s lithium-ion battery pack. The investigation by South Korea's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, supported by forensic analysis, revealed electric molten marks consistent with dielectric breakdown. The exact cause of the short circuit could not be definitively determined due to severe battery damage.

Link to original article: KBS World

Correctional Facility and Commercial Occupancy Fires

Battery fire devastates Spokanimal quarantine facility

Location: Spokane, Washington, USA

Summary:

A lithium-ion battery inside a Bluetooth speaker ignited a fire in a quarantine trailer used by Spokanimal, an animal shelter in Spokane. The trailer housed puppies and kittens receiving treatment for communicable diseases. The fire occurred around 1 p.m. on a Saturday and resulted in the deaths of three puppies. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the blaze had already taken a toll. There were no human injuries reported. The facility plans to rebuild the interior of the trailer and resume operations in the coming months.

Link to original article: KREM

Battery fire sets bakery ablaze

Location: Mountain View, California, USA

Summary:

A fire at Maison Alyzee, a bakery and cafe in downtown Mountain View, was caused by lithium-ion battery charging equipment left unattended. The fire, which broke out at 8:06 a.m., triggered a nearby carbon dioxide cylinder to explode and caused approximately $100,000 in damages. A fire sprinkler system was activated, and firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. The Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health was notified and the business remains closed pending inspection.

Link to original article: Palo Alto Daily Post

Suspect charged in Beaufort County jail fire

Location: Washington, North Carolina, USA

Summary:

A fire at the Beaufort County jail was intentionally set by an inmate using the battery inside a tablet. The fire started in a single cell and caused significant smoke, leading to the evacuation of all inmates. One inmate was hospitalized, and others were transferred. The jail lacked a fire sprinkler system. The suspect was charged with felony burning of jails or prisons, and the sheriff’s office plans to review allowed items in the facility.

Link to original article: WITN

Other Fires

Misting unit deployed to tackle Worksop fire involving two tonnes of discarded batteries

Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom

Summary:

Firefighters in Worksop responded to a fire involving two tons of discarded lithium-ion batteries in a remote location. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue used a new Polaris misting unit, deployed for the first time, to access and extinguish the challenging fire. The unit allowed insertion of a misting lance into the fire, improving suppression. No injuries were reported.

Link to original article: Worksop Guardian

Urgent warning after Aussies lose $175,000 caravan in 'devastating' fire

Location: Auburn, South Australia, Australia

Summary:

A 12-month-old caravan was destroyed in a fire caused by lithium-ion batteries at the Auburn Community Caravan Park. The fire began Tuesday morning when smoke was seen coming from the batteries. The occupants escaped safely, but the caravan could not be saved. Authorities suspect the fire may have started from a battery charging an e-mobility device. Fire officials urged the public not to leave lithium-ion batteries charging unattended.

Link to original article: Yahoo News Australia

Tesla Battery Ignites In 'Thermal Runaway' Fire At Montgomery County Demolition Site

Location: Dickerson, Maryland, USA

Summary:

During a demolition at a property on Peachtree Road, a Tesla battery buried in debris from a previous house fire reignited and entered "thermal runaway," a hazardous condition where lithium-ion cells overheat and catch fire. Montgomery County Fire & Rescue responded quickly and extinguished the fire without injuries. HazMat teams were dispatched to manage the battery cleanup. The incident underscores the ongoing danger posed by damaged lithium-ion batteries, even after months of inactivity.

Link to original article: NewsBreak

Common Hazards Identified from Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

Based on the incident summaries, several recurring hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries emerged:

• Charging Indoors Without Supervision: Many fires began while batteries were left charging unattended, particularly in garages, bedrooms, or living spaces.

• Use of Aftermarket or Improper Chargers: Some fires were caused by chargers not recommended by the manufacturer, leading to overheating and failure.

• Battery Damage or Manufacturing Defects: Several fires resulted from faulty or previously damaged battery packs, even hours after charging had stopped.

• Blocked Egress Paths: Fires originating near exits (e.g., doorways or hallways) posed a lethal risk by trapping occupants inside.

• Lack of Suppression Systems: Many incidents occurred in buildings without fire sprinklers or modern fire protection measures.

• Delayed Detection or Response: In some cases, lack of early detection (e.g., smoke alarms) delayed emergency response and allowed fires to escalate.

• Improper Disposal and Storage: Fires were sparked in garbage trucks or storage facilities due to improper disposal of batteries.

  
  

Safety Guidelines and Recommendations for Risk Reduction

To mitigate the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, the following recommendations are derived from the reported incidents:

1. Never Leave Batteries Charging Unattended: Always supervise the charging process and disconnect batteries once they are fully charged.

2. Use Manufacturer-Approved Chargers: Avoid aftermarket chargers or adapters not certified for the specific battery.

3. Inspect Batteries Regularly: Do not use batteries that show signs of swelling, overheating, or physical damage.

4. Avoid Charging Near Exits: Ensure that battery charging stations are located away from hallways or doors to prevent blocked escape routes.

5. Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms and Fire Sprinklers: Especially in residential and high-risk occupancies, detection and suppression systems save lives.

6. Follow Storage and Disposal Guidelines: Store batteries in cool, dry areas and dispose of them at designated battery recycling facilities.

7. Limit Battery Use in Vulnerable Environments: In settings like correctional facilities or aircraft cabins, additional restrictions or safeguards may be needed.

   
   

These summaries serve as powerful reminders of the destructive potential of lithium-ion battery fires and the diversity of settings in which they occur—from homes and vehicles to airplanes and correctional facilities. As the demand for rechargeable devices continues to rise, building and fire safety professionals must remain vigilant in public education, code enforcement, and technological innovation. Whether through proper disposal campaigns, advocating for battery safety standards, or retrofitting buildings with modern fire protection systems, the fire prevention community plays a important role in addressing this growing risk.

References

Garza, C. (2025, March 8). Battery fire devastates Spokanimal quarantine facility. KREM. https://www.krem.com/article/life/animals/three-puppies-dead-fire-spokanimal/293-8b4e9a60-7519-4716-8724-9330f53159d1

Hernandez, A. (2025, March 3). Battery fire sets bakery ablaze. Palo Alto Daily Post. https://padailypost.com/2025/03/03/battery-fire-sets-bakery-ablaze/

KWHI. (2025, March 1). Brenham Fire Department responds to two calls on Friday. https://kwhi.com/2025/03/01/brenham-fire-department-responds-to-two-calls-on-friday-2/

South London News. (2025, March 11). Brixton family make ‘extraordinary escape’ from house fire after e-bike explodes. https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/news/brixton-family-make-extraordinary-escape-escape-from-house-fire-after-e-bike-explodes/

Barajas, B. (2025, March 12). Cleveland area mobile home fire leaves family homeless, grieving beloved pets. Click2Houston. https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/03/12/cleveland-area-mobile-home-fire-leaves-family-homeless-grieving-beloved-pets/

FMT Reporters. (2025, March 8). Commuter’s power bank catches fire in Singapore MRT train. Free Malaysia Today. https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/03/08/commuters-power-bank-catches-fire-in-singapore-mrt-train/

London Fire Brigade. (2025, March 6). E-scooter fire - Hither Green. https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/incidents/2025/march/e-scooter-fire-hither-green/

Wehner, B. (2025, March 12). Electronic bike fire in Holyoke apartment injures one, leaves several without home. WWLP. https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/electronic-bike-fire-in-holyoke-apartment-injures-one-leaves-several-without-home/

Ayoubgoulan, A. (2025, March 9). Fire caused by lithium-ion battery displaces eight in Woodland. FOX40 News. https://fox40.com/news/local-news/woodland/woodland-fire-department-apartment-displace-eight-people/

The Standard. (2025, March 9). Fire caused by short-circuited charger in To Kwa Wan hospitalizes two. https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/229467/Fire-caused-by-short-circuited-charger-in-To-Kwa-Wan-hospitalizes-two

Gray, K. (2025, March 3). Watch the moment 'worrying' bin lorry fire forces vehicle to dump 2 tonnes of waste. Retrieved from https://www.mylondon.news/news/east-london-news/watch-moment-worrying-bin-lorry-31136539

The West Australian. (2025, March 9). Girrawheen house fire sparked by lithium-ion battery from e-scooter. https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/girrawheen-house-fire-sparked-by-lithium-ion-battery-from-e-scooter-c-17979077

Villages-News Staff. (2025, March 7). Golf cart with battery charging ignites blaze at home in The Villages. Villages-News.com. https://www.villages-news.com/2025/03/07/golf-cart-with-battery-charging-ignites-blaze-at-home-in-the-villages/

Villages-News Staff. (2025, March 7). Golf cart with battery charging ignites blaze at home in The Villages. Villages-News.com. https://www.villages-news.com/2025/03/07/golf-cart-with-battery-charging-ignites-blaze-at-home-in-the-villages/

News Wire. (2025, March 6). Hyderabad: Fire breaks out flat due to battery explosion. The Nation. https://www.nation.com.pk/06-Mar-2025/hyderabad-fire-breaks-out-flat-due-to-battery-explosion

KBS World. (2025, March 14). Investigators: Short circuit in battery pack likely caused Air Busan fire. https://world.kbs.co.kr/service/news_view.htm?lang=e&Seq_Code=191621

Armstrong, O. (2025, March 7). Lithium-ion battery sparks house fire in Ellendale. CoastTV. https://www.coasttv.com/news/lithium-ion-battery-sparks-house-fire-in-ellendale/article_083844b6-fb7d-11ef-a841-43ae7b3987c4.html

Armstrong, O. (2025, March 7). Lithium-ion battery sparks house fire in Ellendale. CoastTV. https://www.coasttv.com/news/lithium-ion-battery-sparks-house-fire-in-ellendale/article_083844b6-fb7d-11ef-a841-43ae7b3987c4.html

Cox, P. (2025, March 13). Misting unit deployed to tackle Worksop fire involving two tonnes of discarded batteries. Worksop Guardian. https://www.worksopguardian.co.uk/news/emergency-incident/misting-unit-deployed-to-tackle-worksop-fire-involving-two-tonnes-of-discarded-batteries-5032202

Attanasio, J. (2025, March 4). Urgent warning after Aussies lose $175,000 caravan in 'devastating' fire. Yahoo News Australia. https://au.news.yahoo.com/urgent-warning-after-aussies-lose-175000-caravan-in-devastating-fire-213244230.html

Edinburgh Live. (2025, March 19). Scottish mum's horror as e-bike charger explodes 'like a firework' and destroys home. https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/scottish-mums-horror-e-bike-31230920

Failla, Z. (2025, March 5). Tesla battery ignites in 'thermal runaway' fire at Montgomery County demolition site. NewsBreak. https://www.newsbreak.com/daily-voice-525087/3842450485301-tesla-battery-ignites-in-thermal-runaway-fire-at-montgomery-county-demolition-site

Fire Engineering. (2025, March 14). Three killed in San Leandro (CA) house fire; E-bike battery suspected as cause. https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/three-killed-in-san-leandro-ca-house-fire-e-bike-battery-suspected-as-cause

Jones, A. (2025, March 12). Torquay blaze caused by e-bike charger. Bay 93.9. https://www.bay939.com.au/local-news/torquay-blaze-caused-by-e-bike-charger

Jones, A. (2025, March 12). Torquay blaze caused by e-bike charger. Bay 93.9. https://www.bay939.com.au/local-news/torquay-blaze-caused-by-e-bike-charger

WITN Web Team. (2025, March 17). Suspect charged in Beaufort County jail fire. WITN. https://www.witn.com/2025/03/17/update-suspect-charged-beaufort-county-jail-fire