Lithium-ion batteries have become widespread in modern society, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and e-bikes. While they offer significant advantages in energy density and rechargeability, they also pose substantial risks when not handled properly. Recent incidents worldwide have highlighted the dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and preventive measures in community risk reduction and fire prevention. This blog compiles recent lithium-ion battery fire incidents in October to shed light on the hazards and underscore the importance of building and fire safety practices.
Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents
"Our Home Was Destroyed by a Lithium Battery Fire"
Location: Barking, London, United Kingdom
Summary: On October 3, 2024, a catastrophic lithium battery failure led to a fire that destroyed a flat in Barking, east London. The fire was triggered by a lithium battery used to heat a homemade hot tub on the roof terrace. Resident Ken Soko suffered burns to his face and arms and lung damage when the battery exploded in his room. His partner, Joanne Davis, rescued him, and 50 residents were evacuated from the building. Tragically, their two pet cats died in the incident. Approximately 60 firefighters responded to the accidental fire in this residential occupancy.
Link to original article: BBC News
"Blaze Caused by Lithium Batteries Claims Life of a Cat"
Location: Erith, London, United Kingdom
Summary: A fire on October 14, 2024, in Erith, London, destroyed half of a house's first floor and part of the ground floor due to the catastrophic failure of lithium batteries, possibly from e-bikes or scooters. Four occupants evacuated before the arrival of 25 firefighters. One cat died at the scene, while another was rescued. A mother and her teenage son were treated for smoke inhalation. The accidental fire underscores risks in residential settings where lithium-ion batteries are used.
Link to original article: South London News
"Ten Survive Devastating House Fire Blamed on Yet Another E-Bike Battery Disaster"
Location: Woolwich, London, United Kingdom
Summary: On October 14, 2024, a house fire in Woolwich, London, was caused by a converted e-bike's lithium battery. The fire damaged most of the ground floor and the staircase of a two-story mid-terraced house. Ten occupants, including a child, survived, with two adults rescued by firefighters from a rear roof. Several were treated for smoke inhalation. The incident highlights the dangers of DIY e-bike conversions in residential occupancies without proper safety measures.
Link to original article: South London News
"Man, 69, Killed When Lithium-Ion Battery Sparks Fire in Brooklyn: FDNY"
Location: Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York, United States
Summary: A tragic fire on October 16, 2024, claimed the life of a 69-year-old man after a lithium-ion battery ignited inside a second-floor apartment. Two children escaped on their own, while two adults and a firefighter were hospitalized. The apartment's smoke detector had been removed, potentially exacerbating the situation in this residential occupancy.
Link to original article: PIX11 News
"Vape Pen Causes Fire Inside Airplane Traveling to Traverse City"
Location: Traverse City, Michigan, United States
Summary: On October 15, 2024, a vape pen caused an inflight fire on United Flight 1531, a Boeing 737-700 traveling from Chicago to Traverse City. The fire occurred inside the passenger cabin and was extinguished by a flight attendant before the aircraft landed safely. No injuries were reported among the 133 people on board. This incident highlights the challenges of lithium-ion battery fires in aviation, where immediate response is critical.
Link to original article: 9&10 News
"Coalinga Fire Warns Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries After Apartment Fire"
Location: Coalinga, California, United States
Summary: On October 15, 2024, the Coalinga Fire Department responded to an apartment fire caused by overheating lithium-ion batteries found in a pile of electronics and combustible materials inside a closet. The batteries ignited nearby materials, but the fire was contained without injuries. The fire department warns that lithium-ion battery fires are increasingly common, advising residents to be vigilant about signs of battery failure in residential occupancies.
Link to original article: YourCentralValley
"Saskatoon Fire Issues Warning About Battery Risk After House Fire"
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Summary: A fire on October 16, 2024, in Saskatoon's Pleasant Hill neighborhood was caused by a lithium-ion battery in a used electric scooter. Residents heard a loud bang before the scooter burst into flames. No injuries were reported. The Saskatoon Fire Department emphasized the risks of using incompatible or non-original chargers and advised on safe charging practices in residential settings.
Link to original article: 980 CJME
"House Fire in Chelsea Caused by Lithium Battery Failure"
Location: Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
Summary: On October 17, 2024, a lithium battery from a power drill failed catastrophically, causing a fire that partially damaged the ground floor of a four-story semi-detached house in Chelsea. No injuries were reported. The London Fire Brigade highlighted the importance of proper storage and charging of batteries in residential occupancies.
Link to original article: London Fire Brigade
"Firefighters Called Out to Incident at Property in Ellesmere Port"
Location: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, United Kingdom
Summary: On October 19, 2024, firefighters responded to a lithium-ion battery fire involving a bicycle at a residential property. The fire was extinguished, and the battery was safely discharged from the bicycle. No injuries were reported, emphasizing the need for caution with battery-powered devices in homes.
Link to original article: Chester and District Standard
"Plaistow Fire Saw East London Tower Block Go Up in Flames with 70 Firefighters on Scene"
Location: Plaistow, London, United Kingdom
Summary: A lithium battery failure caused a fire on October 21, 2024, in a 15-story residential tower block in Plaistow. The London Fire Brigade deployed 10 fire engines and 70 firefighters to the scene. Thirty people were evacuated, and one person was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. The fire damaged a 10th-floor flat and balconies up to the 14th floor, highlighting the risks in high-rise residential occupancies.
Link to original article: MyLondon
"Battery-Biting Dog Blamed for Starting Small Brookfield Blaze"
Location: Brookfield, Missouri, United States
Summary: On October 21, 2024, a house fire in Brookfield was caused by a dog chewing on a lithium-ion battery, which exploded and ignited a couch. The homeowner's daughter extinguished the fire before it spread. No injuries were reported, and the dog was unharmed. This unusual incident underscores the importance of keeping batteries out of reach in residential settings.
Link to original article: KTVO
"E-Bike Fire Incident at Toronto Parking Garage Injures Woman"
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Summary: On October 21, 2024, a fire involving several e-bikes broke out in the underground parking garage of an apartment building in Toronto's Forest Hill area. A woman sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital. The Ontario Fire Marshal is investigating the cause, emphasizing concerns in multi-residential occupancies.
Link to original article: The Star
"E-Bike Causes Apartment Fire in St. Paul"
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
Summary: On October 21, 2024, an e-bike fire erupted in the hallway of an apartment building in St. Paul, leading to heavy smoke damage on the third floor and displacing several residents. Firefighters rescued one man, and the deputy chief advised caution when using lithium-ion batteries, recommending outdoor charging when possible in residential occupancies.
Link to original article: ABC 6 News
"Firefighters Douse E-Bike Fire Threatening Apartment Complex Residents - Waterloo"
Location: Waterloo, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Summary: On October 23, 2024, an e-bike battery overheated while charging in a stairwell of a small apartment complex in Waterloo, Sydney. Fire and Rescue NSW dispatched six fire trucks and 22 firefighters, who contained the fire and prevented it from spreading to apartments. No injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers of improper charging practices in residential occupancies.
Link to original article: Fire and Rescue NSW
"Passengers Flee Smoke-Filled Jet Bridge After Power Bank in Carry-on Bursts Into Flames"
Location: Shanghai, China
Summary: On October 20, 2024, a power bank inside a passenger's carry-on bag caught fire in a jet bridge at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Smoke filled the jet bridge, prompting passengers to evacuate. The fire was quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported. This incident underscores the risks of carrying lithium-ion power banks during air travel.
Link to original article: AOL
"Lithium-Ion Batteries Spark Fire at Shoal Creek Landfill in Griffin, Officials Say"
Location: Griffin, Georgia, United States
Summary: Earlier this week, a fire at the Shoal Creek Landfill in Griffin was caused by improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries. The fire started on Monday evening and rekindled the next day. Officials emphasized the importance of using designated battery recycling stations to prevent such incidents in waste facilities.
Link to original article: FOX 5 Atlanta
"Firefighters Tackle Hazardous Lithium Fire at Table Mountain Cableway Station and Signal Hill Blaze"
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Summary: On October 24, 2024, firefighters contained a hazardous lithium battery fire at the Table Mountain Cableway Station in Cape Town. The fire involved a bank of lithium batteries and produced thick, acrid smoke. Fire crews remained on-site to monitor for flare-ups. No injuries were reported, highlighting the complexities of handling lithium fires in commercial occupancies.
Link to original article: IOL
"1 Man Dead, 1 Hurt After Bronx Apartment Fire; E-Scooter Battery Identified as Cause"
Location: Bronx, New York, United States
Summary: On October 25, 2024, a fire in a third-floor apartment in the Bronx caused by an e-scooter's lithium-ion battery resulted in the death of a 34-year-old man and injuries to another resident. Ten people, including children, were left homeless. The resident had been charging the battery inside his home, underscoring the risks in residential settings.
Link to original article: ABC7 New York
"Battery and Vape Recycling Plea After Bin Waste Fire"
Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Summary: On October 25, 2024, a fire at the Bury St Edmunds waste transfer station was likely caused by a lithium battery or vape discarded in household waste. Two fire engines attended the incident. West Suffolk Council urged residents to dispose of batteries and vapes at designated recycling points to prevent fires in waste facilities.
Link to original article: West Suffolk Council
"Cause of Flats Blaze That Left Three in Hospital Revealed by Fire Service"
Location: Wrexham, North Wales, United Kingdom
Summary: On October 25, 2024, a fire broke out in a flat in Wrexham, leaving three people hospitalized. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service attributed the blaze to an e-bike battery. The fire service provided guidance on mitigating risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in residential occupancies.
Link to original article: North Wales Live
"Garbage Truck Catches Fire in Suburban Sydney After Picking Up Lithium Battery"
Location: Lakemba, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Summary: On October 28, 2024, a garbage truck caught fire in Lakemba after picking up a lithium battery improperly disposed of in a recycling bin. This was the fourth such incident in the Canterbury-Bankstown area that month. The truck driver dumped the burning load, and no injuries were reported. Authorities plan to educate residents on proper disposal to prevent fires in waste management facilities.
Link to original article: ABC News
"E-Bike Battery Sparks Crouch End Flat Fire"
Location: Crouch End, London, United Kingdom
Summary: On October 26, 2024, a faulty e-bike battery sparked a fire in a two-floor mid-terraced house in Crouch End. The fire damaged half of the ground floor and part of the first floor. Seven occupants escaped without injury. The London Fire Brigade dispatched six fire engines and around 40 firefighters. They reminded the public to charge batteries on hard surfaces and be aware of battery failure signs in residential occupancies.
Link to original article: Haringey Community Press
"Waste Recycling Centre Fire - Northolt"
Location: Northolt, Ealing, London, United Kingdom
Summary: On October 28, 2024, a fire broke out at a waste recycling centre in Northolt, likely caused by a lithium-ion battery within 60 tonnes of mixed household waste. The London Fire Brigade sent four fire engines and 25 firefighters, who extinguished the fire within an hour. No injuries were reported. Authorities emphasized proper disposal of lithium-ion batteries to prevent fires in waste facilities.
Link to original article: London Fire Brigade
"Rechargeable Battery Blamed for Garbage Truck Blaze in Southwest Sydney"
Location: Leppington, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Summary: On October 29, 2024, a garbage truck caught fire in Leppington after picking up a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The truck's contents were dumped on the road, and the fire was controlled. This was the fifth such incident in the area that month. Authorities urged residents to use appropriate disposal methods to prevent fires in waste management.
Link to original article: 7NEWS
"Tesla Battery Catches Fire on Transport Trailer in Fort Pierce"
Location: Fort Pierce, Florida, United States
Summary: On October 31, 2024, a Tesla battery caught fire while being transported on a trailer carrying eight other vehicles in Fort Pierce. The St. Lucie County Fire District responded, containing the fire to prevent it from spreading. The battery's temperature was monitored until it was moved to a tow yard for observation. No injuries were reported, highlighting risks in transportation and storage of electric vehicles.
Link to original article: Ovadia Law Group
"Massive Fire at Fredericktown, Mo. Plant; Some Evacuations Ordered, Others Urged to 'Shelter in Place'"
Location: Fredericktown, Missouri, United States
Summary: On October 30, 2024, a massive fire erupted at the Critical Mineral Recovery facility, a battery processing plant in Fredericktown. Thick, toxic smoke prompted evacuation orders for nearby areas, while others were advised to shelter in place. The plant's advanced fire suppression system was activated, but hazardous materials made containment challenging. No injuries were reported, highlighting the complexities of industrial fires involving lithium-ion batteries.
Link to original article: FOX2 Now
"Charging Lithium-Ion Battery May Have Caused Altamonte Springs House Fire, Owner Says"
Location: Altamonte Springs, Florida, United States
Summary: On October 31, 2024, a house fire in Altamonte Springs was potentially caused by a lithium-ion battery charging in the laundry room. The homeowner had purchased a remote control car with a lithium battery, which may have been the source. The Seminole County Fire Department noted responding to 20 similar incidents between April and August 2024. Authorities are working on new fire codes for lithium-ion battery storage to prevent future incidents in residential settings.
Link to original article: ClickOrlando
Understanding the Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Problem
The increasing frequency of lithium-ion battery fires is a significant concern. These batteries, while efficient, can become hazardous under certain conditions.
Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Thermal Runaway: A failure mode where an increase in temperature causes a further increase, potentially leading to fire or explosion.
High Energy Density: While beneficial for performance, it means more energy is available to release during a failure.
Flammable Electrolytes: The liquid electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries is flammable, posing fire risks if the battery is damaged.
Difficult to Extinguish: Fires can reignite due to residual energy, requiring specific firefighting techniques.
Importance of Building and Fire Safety
Fire Sprinkler Systems: Essential for controlling fires in their early stages, especially in residential and commercial buildings.
Proper Charging Practices: Using manufacturer-recommended chargers and avoiding overcharging can prevent failures.
Storage and Disposal: Safe storage away from combustible materials and proper disposal at recycling facilities can mitigate risks.
Education and Awareness: Informing the public about the dangers and safe handling of lithium-ion batteries is crucial.
Safety Recommendations
Based on the incidents and safety references:
Use Reputable Products: Purchase batteries and devices from trusted manufacturers.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere to recommended charging times and avoid overcharging.
Avoid DIY Modifications: Unauthorized modifications can compromise safety.
Regular Inspections: Check batteries for signs of damage or overheating.
Proper Disposal: Recycle batteries at designated facilities to prevent fires in waste management systems.
Emergency Preparedness: Install smoke detectors and have evacuation plans in place.
The surge in lithium-ion battery fires presents a pressing challenge that necessitates collective action from fire safety professionals, manufacturers, and the public. By understanding the inherent risks and adopting recommended safety practices, we can significantly reduce the occurrence of such incidents. Continuous education, strict adherence to safety guidelines, and proactive community risk reduction strategies are vital in safeguarding lives and property.
Reference List
BBC News. (2024, October 3). Our home was destroyed by a lithium battery fire. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1jd2g4637no
South London News. (2024, October 14). Blaze caused by lithium batteries claims life of a cat. https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/news/blaze-cause-by-lithium-batteries-claims-life-of-a-cat
South London News. (2024, October 14). Ten survive devastating house fire blamed on yet another e-bike battery disaster. https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/news/ten-survive-devastating-house-blaze-blamed-on-yet-another-e-bike-battery-disaster
PIX11 News. (2024, October 16). Man, 69, killed when lithium-ion battery sparks fire in Brooklyn: FDNY. https://pix11.com/news/local-news/brooklyn/man-killed-3-injured-when-fire-rips-through-brooklyn-apartment-officials
YourCentralValley. (2024, October 15). Coalinga fire warns dangers of lithium-ion batteries after apartment fire. https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/coalinga-fire-warns-dangers-of-lithium-ion-batteries-after-apartment-fire
London Fire Brigade. (2024, October 17). House fire in Chelsea caused by lithium battery failure. https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/incidents/2024/october/house-fire-chelsea
Ovadia Law Group. (2024, October 31). Tesla battery catches fire on transport trailer in Fort Pierce. https://wesetthestandards.com/gallery-tesla-battery-catches-fire-on-transport-trailer-in-fort-pierce
Chester and District Standard. (2024, October 19). Firefighters called out to incident at property in Ellesmere Port. https://www.chesterstandard.co.uk/news/24664775.firefighters-called-incident-property-ellesmere-port
MyLondon. (2024, October 21). Plaistow fire saw east London tower block go up in flames with 70 firefighters on scene. https://www.mylondon.news/news/east-london-news/plaistow-fire-live-updates-east-30189684
KTVO. (2024, October 21). Battery-biting dog blamed for starting small Brookfield blaze. https://ktvo.com/news/local/battery-biting-dog-blamed-for-starting-small-brookfield-blaze
The Star. (2024, October 21). E-bike fire incident at Toronto parking garage injures woman. https://www.thestar.com/news/e-bike-fire-at-toronto-parking-garage-leaves-woman-seriously-injured/article_88d3d310-8fad-11ef-8430-27320bdb6ab2
ABC 6 News. (2024, October 21). E-bike causes apartment fire in St. Paul. https://www.kaaltv.com/news/e-bike-causes-apartment-fire-in-st-paul
Fire and Rescue NSW. (2024, October 23). Firefighters douse e-bike fire threatening apartment complex residents - Waterloo. https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/incident.php
AOL. (2024, October 20). Passengers flee smoke-filled jet bridge after power bank in carry-on bursts into flames. https://www.aol.com/passengers-flee-smoke-filled-jet-205037149.html
FOX 5 Atlanta. (2024, October 25). Lithium-ion batteries spark fire at Shoal Creek Landfill in Griffin, officials say. https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/lithium-ion-batteries-spark-fire-shoal-creek-landfill-griffin-officials-say
IOL. (2024, October 24). Firefighters tackle hazardous lithium fire at Table Mountain Cableway Station and Signal Hill blaze. https://www.iol.co.za/news/environment/firefighters-tackle-hazardous-lithium-fire-at-table-mountain-cableway-station-and-signal-hill-blaze-46d6e3d9-990f-439b-ada3-a6c7b5901400
ABC7 New York. (2024, October 25). 1 Man Dead, 1 Hurt After Bronx Apartment Fire; E-Scooter Battery Identified as Cause. https://abc7ny.com/post/1-man-dead-hurt-after-bronx-apartment-fire-scooter-battery-eyed-cause/15467598
West Suffolk Council. (2024, October 25). Battery and vape recycling plea after bin waste fire. https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/news/pr20241025ws05.cfm
Daily Post. (2024, October 25). Cause of flats blaze that left three in hospital revealed by fire service. https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/cause-flats-blaze-left-three-30234340
Ibrahim, T. (2024, October 28). Garbage truck catches fire in suburban Sydney after picking up lithium battery. ABC News. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-28/garbage-truck-fire-after-lithium-battery-nsw-sydney-lakemba/104528630
E-bike battery sparks Crouch End flat fire. (2024, October 28). Haringey Community Press. Retrieved from https://haringeycommunitypress.co.uk/2024/10/28/e-bike-battery-sparks-crouch-end-flat-fire
Waste recycling centre fire - Northolt. (2024, October 29). London Fire Brigade. Retrieved from https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/incidents/2024/october/waste-recycling-centre-fire-northolt
Taylor, C. (2024, October 29). Rechargeable battery blamed for garbage truck blaze in southwest Sydney. 7NEWS. Retrieved from https://7news.com.au/sunrise/rechargeable-battery-blamed-for-garbage-truck-blaze-in-southwest-sydney-c-16571569
GALLERY: Tesla battery catches fire on transport trailer in Fort Pierce. (2024, October 31). Ovadia Law Group, P.A. Retrieved from https://wesetthestandards.com/gallery-tesla-battery-catches-fire-on-transport-trailer-in-fort-pierce
evacuations ordered, others urged to ‘shelter in place’. FOX2 Now. Retrieved from https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/fire-emerges-at-fredericktown-mo-plant-evacuations-ordered
Schneider, J., & Pettey, C. (2024, October 30). Massive fire at Fredericktown, Mo. plant; Some evacuations ordered, others urged to ‘shelter in place’. FOX2 Now. Retrieved from https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/fire-emerges-at-fredericktown-mo-plant-evacuations-ordered
Campbell, T. (2024, October 31). Charging lithium-ion battery may have caused Altamonte Springs house fire, owner says. ClickOrlando. Retrieved from https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/10/31/charging-lithium-ion-battery-may-have-caused-altamonte-springs-house-fire-owner-says
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