Lithium-ion batteries are an essential part of our modern lives, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. However, the hazards associated with these batteries are becoming increasingly apparent as the number of incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires rises globally. These incidents, which occurred in late September, not only pose a risk to human life but also challenge fire safety systems and emergency response measures. This blog post compiles recent lithium-ion battery fire incidents to highlight the importance of community risk reduction and fire prevention measures. Let’s take a closer look at the incidents and what we can learn from them.
Lithium-Ion Battery Summaries
Lithium-ion Batteries Thrown Out in the Rubbish Suspected as Cause of Central Coast Garbage Truck Fire
Location: Hamlyn Terrace, New South Wales, Australia
Summary: A fire occurred in a garbage truck in Hamlyn Terrace after lithium-ion batteries, thrown in with household rubbish, ignited. The fire forced the driver to dump the load onto Sparks Road, where Fire and Rescue NSW crews battled the blaze using hoses and compressed air foam. Lithium-ion battery-powered items, including a robot vacuum, mobile phone, and children's toys, were found among the refuse, suggesting thermal runaway caused the fire. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. The incident serves as a reminder to dispose of lithium-ion batteries at designated recycling centers to prevent fires.
Link to original article: Fire and Rescue NSW Incident Report
Lithium Battery Fire Sent Toxic Gas Over Montreal: Are We Ready for Such Emergencies?
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Summary: A fire involving 15,000 kilograms of lithium batteries broke out in a shipping container at the Port of Montreal, releasing hazardous fumes, including hydrogen fluoride. About 100 people were evacuated from the nearby area. Firefighters used self-contained breathing apparatuses, but many residents lacked protective measures. The Montreal Fire Department noted that incidents involving lithium batteries have increased, prompting concerns about safety regulations for battery storage and transportation.
Link to original article: CBC News
Child's Bedroom Fire Sparks Battery Safety Warning in Attleborough
Location: Attleborough, Norfolk, England
Summary: A fire broke out in a child's bedroom in Attleborough, Norfolk, when a cordless battery drill left charging on a bed overheated. The fire completely gutted the bedroom, leaving the family temporarily homeless. Fortunately, no one was injured. The Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service emphasized the importance of charging batteries on hard surfaces and ensuring that charging occurs only when someone is awake to react.
Link to original article: BBC News
Big Rig With Lithium-Ion Batteries Inside Catches Fire Near Port of LA
Location: San Pedro, California, USA
Summary: A tractor-trailer carrying lithium-ion batteries overturned on the 47 Freeway near the Port of Los Angeles and subsequently caught fire. The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded, setting up decontamination stations and establishing a perimeter for safety. One of the lithium-ion batteries exploded, and firefighters worked defensively to manage the situation. There were no injuries or evacuations reported, but the freeway was completely shut down during the response.
Link to original article: Palos Verdes Patch
Cell Phone Lithium-Ion Battery Causes Fire in Capitol Hill
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Summary: A fire broke out on the porch of an apartment building in Capitol Hill when a lithium-ion battery inside a cell phone caught fire. D.C. Fire responded to the scene and quickly extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to the rest of the apartment. Hazmat teams were called to handle the cell phone. There were no injuries, and the fire investigation was completed. Officials highlighted the dangers of lithium-ion batteries and the importance of using compatible chargers and storing devices properly.
Link to original article: WUSA9
Overcharged Lithium-Ion Battery Explodes, Home Catches Fire in Sheepshead Bay
Location: Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York, USA
Summary: A lithium-ion battery that was overcharged exploded, causing a fire in a home on Ford Street in Sheepshead Bay. The fire began at around 9 a.m., but fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The explosion resulted in significant damage to the home, and fire officials emphasized the risks associated with overcharging lithium-ion batteries. They urged residents to take care when charging these batteries and to avoid leaving them unattended while charging.
Link to original article: News 12 Brooklyn
Fire at San Francisco Home Started from EV Battery Charging Inside Garage
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Summary: A fire started inside the garage of a single-family home in San Francisco while an electric vehicle (EV) battery was charging. The San Francisco Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire, which did not result in any injuries or displacements. The incident led to a street closure in the area for safety purposes. The fire highlights the potential risks of charging EV batteries and the importance of following safety guidelines during charging.
Link to original article: KRON4 News
Fire Onboard Hawaiian Airlines Flight Prompts Emergency Response
Location: In-flight between Honolulu, Hawaii, and Portland, Oregon, USA
Summary: A fire occurred on Hawaiian Airlines Flight 26 due to an overheating lithium-ion battery in a passenger's iPad, resulting in smoke in the cabin. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the fire was contained by the flight crew, and no injuries were reported. Portland Airport Fire and Rescue responded upon landing, ensuring the situation was managed safely. This incident reflects ongoing concerns about lithium-ion battery fires on airplanes as more travelers bring rechargeable devices.
Link to original article: Beat of Hawaii
Golf Cart Catches Fire; Cause Determined to Be Lithium-Ion Battery
Location: Homosassa, Florida, USA
Summary: A golf cart caught fire while charging, spreading to a shed and causing approximately $20,000 in damages. The Citrus County Fire Rescue responded, assisted by neighbors who initially fought the flames. The fire originated from a lithium-ion battery in the golf cart, and there were no injuries reported. The Fire Rescue emphasized the importance of following manufacturer instructions when charging lithium-ion batteries to prevent incidents like this.
Link to original article: Chronicle Online
House Erupts Into Flames After E-Bike Battery Explodes, Forcing Man to Flee Through Bedroom Window
Location: Leicester, England, UK
Summary: A house in Leicester was severely damaged when an e-bike battery exploded while charging, forcing a resident to escape through a bedroom window. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service responded with multiple crews, successfully rescuing the man and controlling the fire. The blaze caused "severe" damage to both the ground and first floors of the house. The fire service urged e-bike owners to use the correct charger, avoid unattended charging, and allow the battery to cool before charging to prevent similar incidents. Fortunately, no injuries required hospitalization.
Link to original article: The Sun
House Fire in Flintshire Started by Mobility Scooter
Location: Bagillt, Flintshire, Wales, UK
Summary: A fire in Bagillt, Flintshire, severely damaged a house after a mobility scooter left charging was believed to have caused the incident. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded with four crews and an aerial ladder platform. The fire was under control after more than 13 hours of firefighting efforts. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The fire service warned of the risks associated with charging lithium-ion batteries and emphasized using the correct charger, avoiding overnight charging, and ensuring devices are charged in well-ventilated areas away from escape routes.
Link to original article: Rhyl Journal
Key Christchurch Compliance Centre Heavily Damaged in Fire
Location: Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Summary: A key compliance centre in Christchurch, operated by Auto Inspection Services, was heavily damaged by a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery in rubbish at a neighboring transfer station. The fire caused extensive damage to the building, with approximately 30% of the roof destroyed and several vehicles, including a motorhome, burned. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Nine fire appliances responded to the incident. The managing director indicated it would take months to recover, but they plan to rebuild.
Link to original article: Autotalk
Laptop Fire at Brockton High School Prompts Evacuation
Location: Brockton, Massachusetts, USA
Summary: A fire broke out at Brockton High School when a district-issued laptop caught fire inside a classroom. School police extinguished the fire before firefighters arrived, causing minor damage to a table and carpets. The building was evacuated, but no injuries were reported, and students and staff re-entered after the area was deemed safe. Brockton Public Schools' Tech Services will conduct checks on other district devices as a precaution.
Link to original article: Boston 25 News
Lithium-Ion Battery Again the Fault for Weekend Fire in Smithsburg
Location: Smithsburg, Maryland, USA
Summary: A fire caused by a lithium-ion battery broke out in a garage in Smithsburg, resulting in approximately $6,000 in property damage. Smithsburg Community Volunteer Firefighters responded and found the fire extinguished upon arrival. No smoke alarms or sprinklers were present in the garage. No injuries were reported.
Link to original article: Tri-State Alert
Lithium-Ion Battery Fire: Mother, Child Suffer Burns After Cellphone Charger Catches Fire in Upper West Side Apartment
Location: Upper West Side, Manhattan, New York, USA
Summary: A lithium-ion battery in a cellphone charger caught fire in an Upper West Side apartment, injuring a mother and child who were subsequently hospitalized. The fire occurred around 9:30 p.m. and caused burns to both individuals, though the severity of the injuries was not disclosed. The incident highlights the dangers of charging lithium-ion devices.
Link to original article: ABC7 New York
Lithium-Ion Battery Sparks Unit Fire in Sydney's Inner West
Location: Auburn, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Summary: A fire broke out in a residential unit on Station Road, Auburn, due to a faulty lithium-ion battery in an e-bike. The fire, which started around 7 p.m., was quickly extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW, but the home suffered significant smoke damage. The occupants were alerted by the smell of smoke, and one person was treated for smoke inhalation. Firefighters also installed smoke alarms, which were missing in the home. The incident underscores the importance of adhering to safe lithium-ion battery charging practices.
Link to original article: Fire and Rescue NSW
North Nanaimo Home Destroyed in Mid-Morning Blaze
Location: North Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Summary: A mid-morning fire destroyed a home in North Nanaimo, affecting two families who lived on different floors. The fire reportedly began with the lithium battery of a laptop on the first floor, which ignited curtains and spread throughout the house. While no injuries were reported, the entire house sustained severe damage. Nanaimo Fire Rescue responded and used a "transitional attack" to combat the blaze, while B.C. Hydro dealt with fallen live wires.
Link to original article: Nanaimo News Bulletin
Recycling Expected to Halt Lithium Battery Fires at Tri-Community Landfill
Location: Fort Fairfield, Maine, USA
Summary: The Tri-Community Landfill in Fort Fairfield has experienced multiple fires caused by lithium batteries disposed of in the garbage. To address this issue, a recycling program was launched, providing 55-gallon drums for safely storing lithium power cells. The initiative aims to prevent further incidents caused by the chemical reactions that occur when lithium batteries are compacted in refuse piles. The program is expected to be implemented in the coming week, offering a free disposal option for residents.
Link to original article: The County
Refuse Depot Fire in Rainham
Location: Rainham, London, UK
Summary: A fire broke out at a refuse depot in Rainham, destroying a large pile of household waste. The fire, believed to be caused by the catastrophic failure of a lithium-ion battery, required the response of four fire engines and approximately 25 firefighters. The London Fire Brigade emphasized the dangers of improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries and advised residents to follow proper disposal practices to prevent similar incidents.
Link to original article: London Fire Brigade
Scene of Devastation After Inferno at Pedicab Storage Unit
Location: Southwark, London, UK
Summary: A fire destroyed a ground-floor storage unit in Southwark used to repair and store pedicabs. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters responded to the scene, and one person was hospitalized after leaping from the first floor to escape the blaze. The fire was likely caused by multiple lithium-ion batteries, highlighting the fire risk associated with damaged or improperly maintained e-bikes and pedicabs. London Fire Brigade has been promoting its #ChargeSafe campaign to increase awareness about the safe charging of electric vehicles.
Link to original article: South London News
Siesta Key Family Narrowly Escapes House Fire After Tesla Battery Ignites in Garage
Location: Siesta Key, Florida, USA
Summary: A Tesla battery ignited in a family's garage on Siesta Key, Florida, causing a fire that destroyed the home. The family managed to escape after being alerted by a popping noise. The fire, which started when the electric vehicle was exposed to saltwater from Hurricane Helene, underscores the dangers of lithium-ion batteries interacting with saltwater. The Sarasota County Fire Department rescued the nine-member family, and officials have urged residents to treat any saltwater-exposed electric vehicles as fire hazards.
Link to original article: FOX 13 Tampa Bay
The Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are a significant fire hazard primarily because they store a large amount of energy in a small space. If damaged, overcharged, or used incorrectly, they can overheat and enter a state called thermal runaway. During thermal runaway, the battery heats up uncontrollably, leading to potential fires or explosions. As highlighted in the incidents above, thermal runaway can occur for various reasons, such as improper charging practices, physical damage, or overcharging.
According to the NFPA Tip Sheet on lithium-ion battery safety (National Fire Protection Association [NFPA], 2022), one of the best preventive measures is to use certified products and follow manufacturer guidelines for charging and storing batteries. Additionally, damaged batteries should be handled with care and taken to designated recycling centers to avoid fire hazards.
The Take Charge of Battery Safety Fact Sheet by Underwriters Laboratories (2023) also emphasizes handling lithium-ion battery-powered devices with care, particularly avoiding high or low temperatures and using the correct charger. These safety practices are crucial for minimizing the risks of fire incidents and ensuring safety.
Battery Recycling and Disposal
Proper disposal of lithium-ion batteries is essential to prevent fires. The EPA’s recommendations (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2024) stress that lithium-ion batteries should not be discarded in household garbage or regular recycling bins. Instead, they should be taken to certified recycling centers or hazardous waste collection points. Recycling prevents the potential fire hazards caused by mishandling and helps reclaim valuable materials such as lithium and cobalt.
The importance of recycling is further underscored by initiatives like the 'Avoid the Spark' campaign, which aims to raise awareness about safe lithium-ion battery disposal. As these batteries become increasingly widespread, promoting proper disposal practices is vital to community safety.
Conclusion
The rising number of lithium-ion battery fire incidents highlights the continued need for increased awareness of the hazards associated with these batteries. By following safe handling, charging, and disposal practices, we can significantly reduce the risk of fires and protect our communities. Fire safety professionals and the public alike must prioritize lithium-ion battery safety to prevent devastating incidents and ensure a safer environment for all. Remember, proper handling starts with simple steps—using the right charger, avoiding overcharging, and recycling used batteries responsibly.
References
National Fire Protection Association. (2022). NFPA Tip Sheet on lithium-ion battery safety. Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/lithium-ion-batteries
Underwriters Laboratories. (2023). Take Charge of Battery Safety Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://batteryfiresafety.org/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). EPA recommendations on lithium-ion battery disposal. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-lithium-ion-batteries#:~:text=Lithium%2Dion%20batteries%20and%20devices,household%20hazardous%20waste%20collection%20points%20
Fire and Rescue NSW. (2024, September 26). Lithium-ion batteries, thrown out in the rubbish, thought to be the cause of a Central Coast garbage truck fire - Hamlyn Terrace. Fire and Rescue NSW. https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/incident.php?record=recsMNCbikMn10hZV​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Olson, I. (2024, September 28). A lithium battery fire sent toxic gas over Montreal. Are we ready for such emergencies? CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-lithium-battery-fire-concerns-1.7336652​:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Trigg, A. (2024, September 24). Attleborough: Child's bedroom fire sparks battery safety warning. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8d209w5z4o​:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Barnes, R. (2024, September 26). Big rig with lithium-ion batteries inside catches fire near Port of LA. Palos Verdes Patch. https://patch.com/california/palosverdes/big-rig-litium-ion-batteries-inside-cathes-fire-47-freeway​:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Rosenthal, S. (2024, September 26). Cell phone lithium-ion battery causes fire in Capitol Hill. WUSA9. https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/cell-phone-litium-ion-battery-fire-dc/65-ca2da3c3-cebe-4b7e-860b-6d341b195bc4​:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
News 12 Staff. (2024, September 20). FDNY: Overcharged lithium-ion battery explodes, home catches fire in Sheepshead Bay. News 12 Brooklyn. https://brooklyn.news12.com/fdny-overcharged-lithium-ion-battery-explodes-home-catches-fire-in-sheepshead-bay​:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Tolentino, A. (2024, September 26). Fire at San Francisco home started from EV battery charging inside garage: Officials. KRON4. https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/fire-at-san-francisco-home-started-from-ev-battery-charging-inside-garage-officials​:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Beat of Hawaii. (2024, September 21). Fire onboard Hawaiian Airlines flight prompts emergency response. Beat of Hawaii. https://beatofhawaii.com/fire-onboard-hawaiian-airlines-flight-prompts-emergency-response​:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Steiner, S. (2024, September 25). Golf cart catches fire; cause determined to be lithium-ion battery. Chronicle Online. https://www.chronicleonline.com/news/local/golf-cart-catches-fire-cause-determined-to-be-lithium-ion-battery/article_f301d583-402c-520d-a446-fe763db4cc8c.html​:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Singh, E. (2024, September 29). House erupts into flames after e-bike battery explodes forcing man to flee through bedroom window. The Sun. https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/30738029/house-erupts-into-flames-e-bike-battery-explodes​:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Edwards, R. (2024, September 26). Key Christchurch compliance centre heavily damaged in fire. Autotalk. https://autotalk.co.nz/key-christchurch-compliance-centre-heavily-damaged-in-fire​:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Nazzaro, T. (2024, September 20). Laptop fire at Brockton High School prompts evacuation. Boston 25 News. https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/plymouth-county/laptop-fire-brockton-high-school-prompts-evacuation/2W3CELBOIJFSPCJDHIDEHLFDTY​:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Tri-State Alert. (2024, September 23). Lithium Ion battery again the fault for weekend fire in Smithsburg. https://tristatealert.com/lithium-ion-battery-again-the-fault-for-weekend-fire-in-smithsburg​:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Eyewitness News. (2024, September 23). Lithium-ion battery fire: Mother, child suffer burns after cellphone charger catches fire in Upper West Side apartment. ABC7 New York. https://abc7ny.com/post/lithium-ion-battery-fire-mother-child-suffer-burns-after-cellphone-charger-catches-upper-west-side-apartment/15341747​:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Fire and Rescue NSW. (2024, September 24). Lithium-ion battery sparks unit fire in Sydney's inner west - Auburn. Fire and Rescue NSW. https://fire.nsw.gov.au/incident.php?record=recLLRBvMD6eBbIfB​:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Yu, K. (2024, September 21). North Nanaimo home destroyed in mid-morning blaze. Nanaimo News Bulletin. https://www.nanaimobulletin.com/local-news/north-nanaimo-home-destroyed-in-mid-morning-blaze-7548918​:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Brewer, P. (2024, September 20). Recycling expected to halt lithium battery fires at Tri-Community Landfill. The County. https://thecounty.me/2024/09/20/business-news/recycling-expected-to-halt-lithium-battery-fires-at-tri-community-landfill​:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
London Fire Brigade. (2024, September 25). Refuse depot fire - Rainham. London Fire Brigade. https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/incidents/2024/september/refuse-depot-fire-rainham​:contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
South London News. (2024, September 23). Scene of devastation after inferno at pedicab storage unit. South London News. https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/news/scene-of-devastation-after-inferno-at-pedicab-storage-unit​:contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Cowan, K. (2024, September 26). Siesta Key family ‘narrowly escapes’ house fire after video shows Tesla battery igniting in garage. FOX 13 Tampa Bay. https://www.fox13news.com/news/electric-vehicle-catches-fire-garage-destroys-home-during-hurricane-helene​:contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Harrison, J. (2024, September 23). House fire in Flintshire started by mobility scooter. Rhyl Journal. https://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/news/24607231.house-fire-flintshire-started-mobility-scooter​:contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}