From July 1st to July 10th, 2024, there have been several incidents involving lithium-ion batteries that have sparked fires, underscoring the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and awareness. It is important to understand the hazards associated with these batteries and implement preventive strategies to mitigate risks. Additionally, recent legislation has been passed in Pennsylvania to address the importance of proper battery handling and disposal. This blog post provides a detailed overview of recent incidents, discusses the inherent risks of lithium-ion batteries, and highlights essential safety practices and legislative measures.
Recent Incidents Involving Lithium-Ion Batteries
East Cowes Garden Fire
On July 1, 2024, an overheated battery used for a pressure washer caused a fire in East Cowes. The battery started smoking inside a house and was thrown outside into the garden, where it ignited a garden shed. The fire spread to a hedge and threatened two family homes. The quick actions of Newport's firefighters prevented significant damage to the terraced row, though the rear door of a neighboring property was damaged by heat, and some internal smoke damage was reported (Island Echo, 2024).
Explosion in West Eugene Home
On July 1, 2024, firefighters responded to an explosion at a home in West Eugene, believed to have been caused by a lithium-ion battery. The explosion led to a fire that was contained to one side of a duplex. Fire crews found blown-out windows and rescued two individuals from the dwelling, with no reported injuries. The fire started in the kitchen due to a thermal runaway incident from an overheated lithium-ion battery (Bonham, KEZI, 2024).
Electric Scooter Sparks Apartment Fire in Annapolis
On June 30, 2024, an electric scooter's lithium-ion battery sparked a fire at an apartment on Farragut Court in Annapolis. The fire caused approximately $10,000 in damage but resulted in no injuries. About 40 firefighters responded to the incident, and the fire was quickly contained within the apartment's living room. The fire displaced four individuals, who are receiving assistance. (Eye on Annapolis, 2024).
Fire in Sherman Oaks Allegedly Caused By Lithium Battery
On July 4, 2024, firefighters extinguished a fire in a Sherman Oaks apartment building that was allegedly ignited by a lithium-ion battery on one of the building’s balconies. The fire was reported at 5:44 p.m. at 14748 W. Burbank Blvd. Thirty firefighters were dispatched and extinguished the flames in 23 minutes. The Hazardous Materials Unit assisted in disposing of the battery, and no injuries were reported (MyNewsLA, 2024).
Wrong E-Scooter Charger Led to Fire, Man's Death
In March 2022, a Queensland man died from burns after a lithium-ion battery fire erupted in an e-scooter connected to an incompatible charger. The man, referred to as Tyson, borrowed a stolen charger for a different model of e-scooter. Twenty minutes after charging, the battery caused a fire that resulted in his death. The coroner ruled that the fire was a result of an uncontrolled thermal runaway event due to the incompatible charger (Meacham, The North West Star, 2024).
Two Caravans Destroyed by Fire at Bundaberg Dealership
On July 3, 2024, a fire destroyed two caravans at a dealership in Bundaberg, Queensland, caused by a failed lithium-ion battery next to a mattress. The Queensland Fire Department responded quickly but could not prevent the spread to a neighboring van. (Sorbello, ABC News, 2024).
Dog, Karate-Kicking Neighbor, and Sprinkler Play Roles in Saturday Fire
On July 8, 2024, a fire in an apartment on South Main Street, Meadville, was caused by a dog chewing on a lithium battery pack. The fire was limited to the couch due to a sprinkler system. A neighbor's quick action to kick down the door helped evacuate the residents. The fire department arrived promptly and extinguished the flames (Crowley, Meadville Tribune, 2024).
House Fire in Sutton
On July 8, 2024, a house fire on Collingwood Road in Sutton was caused by the catastrophic failure of a lithium-ion battery. Part of the first-floor room in the semi-detached house was destroyed, and one man was treated for smoke inhalation. The London Fire Brigade emphasized the importance of using correct chargers and handling lithium batteries with care (London Fire Brigade, 2024).
Basement Fire Forces Pretzel Bell in Ann Arbor to Close
On July 7, 2024, a basement fire at Pretzel Bell in Ann Arbor caused by a lithium-ion battery forced the restaurant to close temporarily. The fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery inside a leaf blower placed on top of the restaurant’s electrical gear switch in the basement. The battery likely overheated, causing damages that were limited to the basement. There were no injuries reported (MLive, 2024).
FDNY: Lithium-Ion Battery Sparks Fire at Staten Island Residence
On July 7, 2024, a fire broke out at a Staten Island residence due to a lithium-ion battery. The fire caused significant damage to the home but no injuries were reported. The FDNY highlighted the dangers of improper charging and storage of lithium-ion batteries (Axelrod, SILive, 2024).
E-Bike Battery Blamed for Fire at Cycle Shop in South Tottenham
On July 7, 2024, a fire at a cycle shop in South Tottenham was caused by the failure of a lithium-ion battery pack for an e-bike. The fire spread to involve other e-bike battery packs in the shop. The London Fire Brigade responded with six fire engines and 40 firefighters, and the fire was brought under control within an hour. There were no injuries reported (Haringey Community Press, 2024).
Tipner Fire: Lithium Batteries 'the Most Likely Cause' of Huge Fire
On July 6, 2024, a massive fire at TJ Waste and Recycling in Tipner, Portsmouth, was likely caused by lithium batteries. The fire spread rapidly, involving 117 tonnes of domestic waste. Strong winds carried dense smoke across the nearby M275, leading to road closures and significant disruption. Firefighters from across the county worked tirelessly to contain the fire over the weekend (Brown, Portsmouth News, 2024).
E-bike Battery Explosion in Sydney
On July 11, 2024, a lithium-ion battery from an e-bike exploded in a unit on the sixth floor of a 26-story building in Sydney. The explosion caused a fire that was quickly extinguished by the building's automatic sprinkler system. Seven people were treated for smoke inhalation, and around 80-100 people were evacuated as a precaution. Fortunately, the occupants of the unit escaped without serious injuries. (Fire and Rescue NSW, 2024)
Electric Scooter Battery Explosion in Palanga
On July 10, 2024, an electric scooter battery exploded while charging in an apartment in Palanga, Lithuania. The explosion caused a significant fire, leading to severe damage to the apartment and the building. Thankfully, the occupants avoided injuries as they were in another room at the time of the explosion. (LRT, 2024)
Washington I-90 Delays Due to Semi Carrying Lithium Batteries on Fire
On July 6, 2024, a semi-truck carrying lithium-ion batteries caught fire on I-90 in Washington, causing significant delays. The fire department responded quickly to extinguish the blaze. No injuries were reported, but the incident caused traffic congestion and highlighted the challenges of transporting lithium-ion batteries. (Brewster, Newstalk 870, 2024)
House Fire in Pennsylvania Possibly Started by Bike Battery
On July 7, 2024, a house fire in Pennsylvania is suspected to have been caused by the lithium-ion battery of a bike. The fire started in the garage where the bike was attached to an RV and quickly spread to the rest of the house. No injuries were reported, but the house was significantly damaged. (Kratz, Fox43, 2024)
San Francisco Apartment Fire Caused by Charging Scooter Battery
On July 8, 2024, an apartment fire in San Francisco's Tenderloin district was caused by a charging scooter battery. The fire broke out in a fourth-floor apartment, causing heavy fire activity and significant damage. One person suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and three residents were displaced. The San Francisco Fire Department highlighted the dangers of improperly charging lithium-ion batteries. (Wilson, San Francisco Chronicle, 2024)
The Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries power a wide range of devices, from smartphones and laptops to e-bikes and electric vehicles. However, these batteries pose significant risks if not handled properly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode if they are damaged, used incorrectly, or suffer from manufacturing defects (National Fire Protection Association [NFPA], 2022).
Safety Tips for Handling Lithium-Ion Batteries
Purchase Certified Products: Always buy devices and batteries that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly (Underwriters Laboratories [UL], 2023).
Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Adhere strictly to the manufacturer's guidelines for charging and using batteries (UL, 2023).
Use the Right Equipment: Only use the charger and battery designed for the specific device (NFPA, 2022; UL, 2023).
Avoid Overcharging: Do not keep charging the device after it is fully charged (NFPA, 2022; UL, 2023).
Proper Storage: Store batteries at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and flammable materials (NFPA, 2022; UL, 2023).
Emergency Preparedness: Ensure working smoke alarms are installed, and avoid charging devices near exit paths or while sleeping (NFPA, 2022; UL, 2023).
Recent Legislation on Lithium-Ion Battery Disposal
Pennsylvania House Approves Battery Disposal Bill
The Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 2241 on July 10, 2024, to promote safer battery disposal practices. This legislation mandates that battery manufacturers participate in an approved disposal plan to reduce fire risks at waste and recycling facilities. The bill focuses on providing convenient battery return options and emphasizes the importance of proper disposal to prevent fires caused by improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries (WGAL, 2024).
The recent number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries underscores the continued need for increased awareness and preventive measures. By following safety guidelines and supporting legislative efforts, we can mitigate the risks associated with these powerful yet potentially hazardous energy sources. We must prioritize community risk reduction by promoting safe battery usage, proper disposal, and emergency preparedness.
References
Brewster, A. (2024). Washington I-90 delays: Semi carrying lithium batteries on fire. Newstalk 870. Retrieved from Newstalk 870
Sorbello, N. (2024). ABC News. Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Destroys Two Caravans. Retrieved from ABC News
Eye on Annapolis. (2024). Electric Scooter Sparks Apartment Fire in Annapolis. Retrieved from Eye on Annapolis
Fire and Rescue NSW. (2024). E-bike Battery Explosion in Multi-Story Unit Block. Retrieved from Fire and Rescue NSW
Haringey Community Press. (2024). E-Bike Battery Blamed for Fire at Cycle Shop in South Tottenham. Retrieved from Haringey Community Press
Island Echo. (2024). Overheated Mobility Scooter Battery to Blame for East Cowes Garden Fire. Retrieved from Island Echo
Kratz, A. (2024) FOX43. Officials: Fire may have been started by lithium battery of electric bike in York County. Retrieved from Fox43
Bonham, R. (2024). KEZI. Explosion in West Eugene Home Believed Caused by Lithium Battery. Retrieved from KEZI
LRT. (2024). Electric Scooter Battery Explosion Causes Fire in Apartment in Palanga. Retrieved from LRT
London Fire Brigade. (2024). House Fire in Sutton. Retrieved from London Fire Brigade
MLive. (2024). Basement Fire Forces Pretzel Bell in Ann Arbor to Close. Retrieved from MLive
Crowley, M. (2024) Meadville Tribune. Dog, Karate-Kicking Neighbor, and Sprinkler Play Roles in Saturday Fire. Retrieved from Meadville Tribune
MyNewsLA. (2024). Fire in Sherman Oaks Allegedly Caused By Lithium Battery. Retrieved from MyNewsLA
National Fire Protection Association. (2022). Lithium-ion Battery Safety. Retrieved from NFPA
Brown, K. (2024). Portsmouth News. Tipner Fire: Lithium Batteries 'the Most Likely Cause' of Huge Fire. Retrieved from Portsmouth News
Axelrod, S. (2024). SILive. FDNY: Lithium-Ion Battery Sparks Fire at Staten Island Residence. Retrieved from SILive
Meacham, S. (2024). The North West Star. Wrong E-Scooter Charger Led to Fire, Man's Death. Retrieved from The North West Star
Underwriters Laboratories. (2023). Take Charge of Battery Safety. Retrieved from Battery Fire Safety
WGAL. (2024). Pennsylvania House Approves Battery Disposal Bill. Retrieved from WGAL
Wilson, E. (2024). San Francisco Chronicle. Apartment fire in S.F.’s Tenderloin caused by charging scooter battery, fire department says. Retrieved from San Francisco Chronicle
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