The world continues to witness a incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, a technology important to modern life but increasingly associated with fire risks. These batteries are widely used in everything from electric vehicles and e-bikes to smartphones and household electronics, making them a potential hazard in a wide range of settings. From August 11th to August 20th, numerous fires tied to lithium-ion batteries were reported across various regions, sparking concern within the fire prevention and building safety communities.
These incidents span from residential homes to commercial buildings, and even scrapyards, showing that the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries are not confined to one environment or country. This blog post will examine some of the key events that occurred during this period. It is important to note that while these are just a few of the reported cases, they underscore a growing global issue that professionals must address with proactive safety measures.
Recent Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Incidents (August 11th - 20th)
During the reported period, numerous fires were reported on lithium-ion batteries. Below are the summaries of these incidents:
Electric Motorcycle Catches Fire
Location: Pattaya, Thailand
Summary: On August 10, 2024, an electric motorcycle caught fire on Nong Mai Kaen-Thung Klom Road in Pattaya. The fire was caused by a modification to the battery system, which was upgraded for longer usage and greater travel distances. The owner noticed white smoke coming from the battery shortly before the bike was consumed by flames. Firefighters from Nong Prue Municipal Fire Station responded quickly and extinguished the fire within 15 minutes. Unfortunately, the motorcycle was completely destroyed.
Link to original article: ASEAN Now Article
Quick Response by Eugene Springfield Fire Contains Apartment Blaze
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Summary: A lithium-ion battery is suspected of causing a fire in a multifamily residential property in Eugene, Oregon. Firefighters from the Eugene Springfield Fire Department responded promptly, containing the fire before it could spread throughout the apartment complex. The fire started in one unit but did not result in injuries due to the quick response. The exact cause of the battery malfunction is under investigation, and fire officials have issued a warning to residents about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries.
Link to original article: Quick response by Eugene Springfield Fire contains apartment blaze
Major Scrapyard Fire Most Likely Sparked by Discarded Battery
Location: Great Blakenham, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Summary: On August 8, 2024, a fire broke out at a scrap metal and waste recycling center in Great Blakenham. Fire investigators determined that the blaze, which required over 80 firefighters and 14 fire engines to control, was most likely caused by a discarded lithium battery. The fire caused a large plume of smoke visible across Suffolk, severely disrupting local train services. Residents and businesses were advised to keep doors and windows closed for almost 24 hours. This incident highlighted the fire risks posed by improperly disposed batteries, which can self-combust when crushed during waste processing. Suffolk Fire and Rescue issued a reminder urging proper disposal of batteries to prevent such incidents.
Link to original article: Suffolk County Council Article
Mixed Use Building Fire - Tottenham
Location: Tottenham, London, United Kingdom
Summary: A fire in a mixed-use building in Tottenham, London, on August 10, 2024, was attributed to a catastrophic failure of a lithium battery pack for an e-bike. The fire destroyed the second floor of the building and partially damaged the roof. Six people were able to evacuate the premises before firefighters arrived, and no injuries were reported. The London Fire Brigade warned about the growing fire risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters, advising the public to use proper chargers, avoid overcharging, and not charge these devices while sleeping or in escape routes. Around 40 firefighters attended the scene, using six fire engines and one of the Brigade's 32-meter turntable ladders to bring the fire under control.
Link to original article: London Fire Brigade Article​
Charging E-bike Catches Alight
Location: Toronto, New South Wales, Australia
Summary: On August 12, 2024, a fire broke out in Toronto, NSW, when an e-bike caught fire while charging on the rear verandah of a residential property. The owner, who had purchased the bike second-hand two weeks prior, heard explosions and found the bike fully alight. He managed to extinguish the fire using an extinguisher and garden hose before Fire and Rescue NSW crews arrived. Fortunately, no injuries or structural damage occurred. The incident highlights the importance of safe charging practices for lithium-ion batteries, including charging devices outside and not leaving them unattended or charging overnight.
Link to original article: Fire and Rescue NSW Article
Third Battery Fire at the Same Site in Germany
Location: Thuringia, Germany
Summary: On August 11, 2024, a third battery fire broke out at the Suncycle facility in Thuringia, Germany. The fire involved a group of batteries temporarily stored for disposal, following two previous fires at the site in June 2024. An employee was slightly injured while moving the burning batteries to prevent the flames from spreading. The fire caused 30,000 euros in damage and led to warnings for local residents to keep windows and doors closed due to toxic smoke. The cause of the fire is suspected to be a technical defect, although details are still under investigation.
Link to original article: pv Magazine Article​
A 14-Year-Old Camper's Flashlight Battery Exploded in His Pocket
Location: Colorado, USA
Summary: A 14-year-old boy suffered second and third-degree burns after the lithium battery in his flashlight exploded while it was in his pocket during a camping trip in Colorado. The boy required skin graft surgery due to the severity of the burns. The incident highlights the risks associated with carrying lithium batteries in personal items. Local firefighters warned campers to closely monitor their rechargeable devices and avoid overcharging lithium-ion batteries, as they can overheat and combust.
Link to original article: Outdoors.com
Electric Car Battery Fire at a Charging Booth
Location: Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Summary: A fire broke out in the early hours of August 14, 2024, when a lithium-ion battery being charged for an electric car at a booth in an electric cart rental store caught fire. The fire, believed to have been caused by battery overheating, burned 13 batteries and the charging booth. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, preventing further damage, and no injuries were reported. The incident resulted in property damage estimated at 4 million won. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Link to original article: MK Korea Article
Lithium-Ion Batteries Cause Mobile-House Fire in St. James City
Location: St. James City, Florida, USA
Summary: On August 15, 2024, lithium-ion batteries ignited a fire that severely damaged a mobile home in St. James City. The Matlacha/Pine Island Fire District responded to the fire around 1:00 a.m., and the flames were quickly extinguished using less than 1,000 gallons of water. No occupants were present during the incident. The cause was traced to lithium-ion batteries, and fire officials used the opportunity to highlight the importance of proper handling and storage of these batteries.
Link to original article: WINK News Article
Lithium-Ion Batteries Blamed for Edison, NJ Garage Fire
Location: Edison, New Jersey, USA
Summary: On August 13, 2024, a garage fire in Edison, NJ, was attributed to lithium-ion phosphate batteries being used as part of a homeowner's DIY solar power system. The batteries, stored in the garage, caught fire and it took firefighters over an hour to extinguish the flames. The homeowner was using solar panels and batteries to harvest electricity, with cables running underground. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the garage, and no injuries were reported. This incident underscores the fire risks associated with large lithium-ion battery storage, especially when used in home energy systems.
Link to original article: NJ1015 Article
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Malfunctioning Battery Causes Scooter Fire
Location: Roxbury, New Jersey, USA
Summary: On August 13, 2024, a scooter fire occurred in Roxbury Township due to a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery. Firefighters responded to the scene after smoke was reported coming from the basement of a residence on Center Street. The fire was contained to the scooter, which was quickly removed from the basement, preventing further damage to the home. This incident highlights the dangers of lithium-ion batteries when used in electric scooters, with fire officials reminding residents of the importance of monitoring charging equipment and battery performance.
Link to original article: Roxbury-Mount Arlington Daily Voice Article
Power Pack Warning After Fire Ignited in Swindon Car
Location: Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
Summary: On August 16, 2024, firefighters in Swindon responded to a vehicle fire caused by a decomposing lithium-ion battery power pack in the back seat of a red car. The quick actions of the car's owner, who noticed the smoke and alerted firefighters from Stratton St Margaret Fire Station, helped extinguish the fire before it spread. The incident resulted in significant damage to the car's interior. The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service issued a warning to power pack users about the risks of battery decomposition and the potential for fires.
Link to original article: Swindon Advertiser Article
Scooter Battery Ignites Early Morning Blaze in Northwest Portland Apartment
Location: Portland, Oregon, USA
Summary: On August 19, 2024, a scooter equipped with a lithium-ion battery ignited a fire in a Northwest Portland apartment complex. The fire was caused by thermal runaway, a phenomenon where a battery enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state. The fire activated the building’s sprinkler system, which helped contain the flames until firefighters arrived. Portland Fire & Rescue extinguished the remaining fire and confirmed that there were no injuries or significant structural damage. The incident serves as a reminder of the fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, especially when stored or charged in residential settings.
Link to original article: KATU Article
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Responds to Fires on Stella Avenue and Bond Street
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Summary: On August 16, 2024, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two fires, one of which was in a mixed-use building on Bond Street. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire originated from a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery or charger for an e-bike. Firefighters quickly contained the fire to the originating suite, and all occupants were safely evacuated. No injuries were reported. WFPS used the opportunity to remind the public about fire safety when charging batteries, emphasizing the importance of following manufacturer instructions and using approved chargers.
Link to original article: City of Winnipeg Article
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Lithium Battery Sparks Fire in Ashland Home
Location: Ashland, Oregon, USA
Summary: On August 17, 2024, a lithium-ion battery in a power tool sparked a fire at a residential home in Ashland, Oregon. Firefighters responded quickly and contained the fire to a single room, thanks to the presence of working smoke alarms that alerted the homeowner. The fire department emphasized the dangers of charging batteries unattended and the importance of proper storage and disposal of lithium-ion batteries. No injuries were reported, but the fire caused significant damage to the room where the battery was located.
Link to original article: Ashland News Article
Lithium-Ion Battery Possible Cause for Fire in Branson Hospital Building
Location: Branson, Missouri, USA
Summary: On August 19, 2024, a small fire broke out in a Cox Health hospital building in Branson, Missouri. The fire, which possibly originated from a lithium-ion battery, caused heavy smoke on the upper floors of the building. The fire was confined to one room, and the building was evacuated as firefighters responded. Crews used electric and gas-powered fans to ventilate the building. There were no injuries reported, and the fire is still under investigation. This incident raised awareness of the potential fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries in healthcare settings​.
Link to original article: Ozarks First Article
Lithium-Ion Battery Causes Dumpster Fire in Cortland
Location: Cortland, New York, USA
Summary: On August 18, 2024, a dumpster fire in Cortland, NY, was caused by improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries. The fire threatened nearby electrical wires and caused heat damage to the siding of a nearby house. The quick response of the Cortland Fire Department, arriving within minutes of the 911 call, prevented further damage or injuries. This incident underscores the importance of proper disposal of lithium-ion batteries, as mishandling them can lead to unexpected fires.
Link to original article: CortacaToday ​
Office Building Catches Fire by Charging Hoverboard Malfunction
Location: Lehi, Utah, USA
Summary: On August 19, 2024, an office building in Lehi, Utah, caught fire due to a malfunctioning hoverboard that was charging overnight. The Lehi Fire Department responded to the call early in the morning, and the building's fire suppression system activated, successfully containing the fire. Though no injuries were reported, the office suffered significant water and smoke damage, displacing employees for a short period.
Link to original article: KSLTV Article
Charging E-bike Sparks Early-Morning Fire in West Street Home
Location: Orillia, Ontario, Canada
Summary: On August 20, 2024, a charging e-bike sparked an early-morning structure fire in the attached garage of a West Street home in Orillia. The fire spread into the exterior wall and soffit of the two-story brick house. Firefighters arrived at the scene to find heavy fire but were able to contain it before it spread further. This marks the third recent fire in the area attributed to lithium-ion batteries. Orillia's Chief Fire Prevention Officer emphasized the importance of using manufacturer-approved chargers to avoid dangerous overheating and thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries.
Link to original article: Orillia News Article​
North Granville Home Destroyed by Flames, 12-Year-Old Girl Heroically Saves Her Sister
Location: North Granville, New York, USA
Summary: On August 20, 2024, a fire believed to have been started by a lithium battery destroyed the LaRock family home on Dekalb Road in North Granville. A 12-year-old girl heroically saved her younger sister from the blaze, using fire safety training she had received at school. While the family escaped unharmed, three dogs tragically perished. Multiple fire departments from New York and Vermont battled the fire, which was fully involved upon arrival and required extensive resources due to water supply challenges. The community has rallied to provide support for the displaced family.
Link to original article: NYVT Media Article
Safety Tips for Handling Lithium-Ion Batteries
With the increase in lithium-ion battery-related fires, following safety protocols is crucial. Here are some key tips:
Use Manufacturer-Approved Chargers: Avoid using cheap or incompatible chargers, which can cause overcharging and overheating.
Charge Devices on Hard, Non-Flammable Surfaces: Avoid charging devices on beds or other soft surfaces.
Monitor Devices While Charging: Never leave devices charging unattended, particularly overnight.
Store Batteries in Cool, Dry Areas: Keep batteries away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
Inspect Batteries Regularly: Discard or replace batteries showing signs of damage or wear.
Do Not Charge Micromobility Devices in Egress Routes: Never charge e-bikes, scooters, or other micromobility devices in hallways or near exit doors, as this can block escape routes in the event of a fire.
Install Smoke Alarms Near Charging Areas: Ensure smoke alarms are installed near areas where lithium-ion batteries are frequently charged, such as garages and living rooms, to detect smoke early in case of a fire.
For more information regarding the lithium ion battery safety visit FSRI's Take Charge website.
The recent increase in lithium-ion battery fires demonstrates the continued need for improved fire prevention strategies, particularly the implementation of fire sprinkler systems. These systems play a vital role in containing and extinguishing fires, protecting lives and properties. As building and fire safety professionals, it’s our responsibility to stay informed, share knowledge, and ensure our communities are as safe as possible.
References
Adams, M. (2024, August 20). Cortland FD: Lithium-ion battery causes dumpster fire. Cortaca Today. https://cortacatoday.com/news/258852-cortland-fd-lithium-ion-battery-causes-dumpster-fire/
Albert, G. (2024, August 10). Electric motorcycle catches fire. ASEAN NOW. https://aseannow.com/topic/1335178-electric-motorcycle-catches-fire/
Alexander, D. (2024, August). Firefighters battle lithium battery blaze. NJ 101.5. https://nj1015.com/firefighters-battle-lithium-battery-blaze/
Ayeong, C. (2024, August 14). Fire at a large waste facility in South Korea. Maeil Business News Korea. https://www.mk.co.kr/en/society/11092614
Barron, S. (2024, August 15 ). Malfunctioning battery causes scooter fire: Roxbury FD. Daily Voice. https://dailyvoice.com/nj/roxbury-mount-arlington/malfunctioning-battery-causes-scooter-fire-roxbury-fd/
City of Winnipeg. (2024, August 17). Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fires on Stella Avenue and Bond Street. City of Winnipeg. https://www.winnipeg.ca/news/2024-08-17-winnipeg-fire-paramedic-service-responds-fires-stella-avenue-and-bond-street
CULBERTSON, M.  (2024, August 19). Office building catches fire by charging hoverboard malfunction. KSL TV. https://ksltv.com/672752/office-building-catches-fire-by-charging-hoverboard-malfunction/
Dawson, D. (2024, August 20). Charging e-bike sparks early morning fire in West Street home. OrilliaMatters. https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/charging-ebike-sparks-early-morning-fire-in-west-street-home-9372470
Hesterman, B. (2024, August 14). A 14-year-old camper's flashlight battery exploded in his pocket. Outdoors.com. https://outdoors.com/a-14-year-old-campers-flashlight-battery-exploded-in-his-pocket/
Hughes, J. (2024, August 16). Power pack warning after fire ignited in Swindon car. Swindon Advertiser. https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/24524267.power-pack-warning-fire-ignited-swindon-car/
Enkhardt, S. (2024, August 13). Third battery fire at the same site in Germany. PV Magazine. https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/08/13/third-battery-fire-at-the-same-site-in-germany/
Fire and Rescue NSW. (2024, August 12). Charging e-bike catches alight. Fire and Rescue NSW. https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/incident.php?record=recU70hQtRWVz188I
KATU. (2024, August 19). Scooter battery ignites early morning blaze in Northwest Portland apartment. KATU. https://katu.com/news/local/scooter-battery-ignites-early-morning-blaze-in-northwest-portland-apartment
KCBY. (2024, August 11). Quick response by Eugene Springfield Fire contains apartment blaze. KCBY. https://kcby.com/news/local/quick-response-by-eugene-springfield-fire-contains-apartment-blaze
LaRocque, D.  (2024, August 20). North Granville home destroyed by flames. NYVT Media. https://nyvtmedia.com/2024/08/20/north-granville-home-destroyed-by-flames/
London Fire Brigade. (2024, August). Mixed-use building fire - Tottenham. London Fire Brigade. https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/incidents/2024/august/mixed-use-building-fire-tottenham/
Nguyen, T. (2024, August 19). Lithium-ion battery possible cause for fire in Branson hospital building. OzarksFirst.
Skook News. (2024, August 23). Lithium battery sparks fire in Ashland. Skook News. https://www.skooknews.com/2024/08/lithium-battery-sparks-fire-in-ashland.html
Suffolk County Council. (2024, August 12). Major scrapyard fire most likely sparked by discarded battery, fire investigators conclude. Suffolk County Council. https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-news/major-scrapyard-fire-most-likely-sparked-by-discarded-battery-fire-investigators-conclude
WINK News. (2024, August 15). Lithium-ion batteries cause house fire. WINK News. https://winknews.com/2024/08/15/lithium-ion-batteries-cause-house-fire/
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