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  • Writer's pictureTim Spears
    • Sep 1
    • 13 min read

Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Incidents Between August 21st and 30th - What We Learned



Between August 21st and August 30th, 2024, several fires involving lithium-ion batteries were reported across various locations, highlighting a critical and growing concern in fire safety and community risk reduction. While there may be more incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires, these are the stories shared from the sources I monitor. Each incident demonstrates the potential hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries and underscores the need for fire prevention strategies and safety measures to protect lives and property. Below is a summary of these incidents, providing insights into the causes, locations, and impacts of lithium-ion battery fires.


Reported Incidents of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires


Investigators: E-Bike Battery Explosion Behind Fire at Cayuga Inn


Location: Auburn, New York, USA


Summary: A fire broke out at the Cayuga Inn in Auburn, New York, due to an exploding e-bike battery. The fire, which occurred on August 15, 2024, started in a second-floor room, where the battery explosion caused individual cells to scatter around the room. The Auburn Fire Department responded promptly, containing the damage largely to the affected room with minor water damage to the first floor below. No injuries were reported, and the inn continued operations. This incident highlights the dangers of e-bike battery explosions and emphasizes the importance of storing and charging e-bike batteries away from exits and flammable materials.


Link to original article: Finger Lakes Daily News


JetBlue Flight Attendants Praised For Swift Response To Emergency Cell Phone Malfunction


Location: Los Angeles, California to Boston, Massachusetts, USA


Summary: During a JetBlue flight from Los Angeles to Boston on August 20, 2024, a cell phone malfunction caused smoke to fill the first-class cabin. The flight attendants acted quickly, relocating passengers away from the smoke and using a fire extinguisher to control the situation. The malfunctioning phone was placed in a lavatory, and the cabin was ventilated to clear the smoke. There were no injuries reported, and the flight landed safely. This incident underscores the potential fire risk associated with lithium-ion batteries in mobile devices and the importance of immediate response and preparedness by cabin crew to mitigate such risks.


Link to original article: Simple Flying


Peterborough Residents Given Lithium Battery Warning After Fire Breaks Out in Dogsthorpe Home


Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK


Summary: A fire occurred in a home on Dogsthorpe Road in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, due to a lithium battery on August 16, 2024. The Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service responded to the incident, and all occupants were safely evacuated. The fire department emphasized the importance of proper handling and disposal of lithium batteries and the regular testing of smoke alarms. There have been several incidents involving lithium batteries in the area, prompting fire officials to warn residents about the risks associated with improperly charging or disposing of these batteries.


Link to original article: Peterborough Today


Firefighters Battle a Fire in York County, PA


Location: East York, Pennsylvania, USA


Summary: On August 28, 2024, a fire broke out at the Yorkshire House Apartments in Springettsbury Township, York County, due to an overheated lithium battery malfunction. The fire occurred around 8:30 p.m. and was brought under control within 30 minutes by the York Area United Fire & Rescue team. One person was transported for injuries. The incident highlights the potential dangers of lithium batteries in residential settings and the need for proper handling and monitoring of battery-operated devices.


Link to original article: WGAL News


Shop Fire - Harlesden


Location: Harlesden, London, UK


Summary: A fire broke out in a shop on High Street in Harlesden, London, on August 21, 2024, caused by a malfunctioning lithium battery in a vape device. The fire destroyed the ground-floor shop and caused smoke damage to adjacent flats above. About 40 firefighters and six fire engines were deployed, and the fire was brought under control within an hour. The London Fire Brigade emphasized the importance of buying devices from reputable retailers and following safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents. No injuries were reported.


Link to original article: London Fire Brigade




Lithium Batteries Spark Garbage Truck Fire in Port Chester


Location: Port Chester, New York, USA


Summary: On August 21, 2024, improperly disposed of lithium batteries caused a fire in a garbage truck in Port Chester, New York. The fire started when batteries, likely crushed in the truck's compactor, ignited. Fire and public works officials responded quickly, dumping the burning trash onto the road and extinguishing the flames. The fire charred a car and several utility wires, but no injuries were reported. The incident led to a warning about the dangers of improper disposal of lithium batteries and other hazardous materials.


Link to original article: Westchester News 12


Two Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in Sydney in Two Days - Northmead and Willoughby


Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia


Summary: Over two days in August 2024, two separate fires in Sydney were caused by lithium-ion batteries. The first fire occurred in a home in Northmead when an e-bike with an after-market battery caught fire while charging, resulting in smoke inhalation injuries to one person. The second fire involved a lithium-ion battery from a leaf blower that caught fire in the back of a moving vehicle in Willoughby East. The driver managed to remove the battery from the vehicle, preventing further damage. Fire and Rescue NSW emphasized the importance of safe charging practices and having working smoke alarms in areas where lithium-ion batteries are used or stored.


Link to original article: Fire and Rescue NSW





Fire Tears Through Queens E-Bike Shop, Injuring Firefighter


Location: Queens, New York, USA


Summary: A fire broke out at an e-bike shop in Queens, New York, on August 22, 2024, likely caused by lithium-ion batteries. The fire, which started around 2:30 a.m. in the rear storage area of Kings Electric Scooters on Jamaica Avenue, required approximately 90 FDNY members to extinguish. One firefighter was injured. This was the second fire at the shop in recent months. The FDNY issued a vacate order for the building and emphasized the importance of safe practices for charging and storing lithium-ion batteries, particularly in densely populated areas.


Link to original article: Audacy




Child's Phone Catches Fire in Cambridge, Ont. Movie Theatre


Location: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada


Summary: On August 21, 2024, an 11-year-old’s phone caught fire in a movie theatre in Cambridge, Ontario. The phone, a Google Pixel, became wedged between theatre seats and was damaged, leading to a thermal runaway in its lithium-ion battery. The Cambridge Fire Department responded, containing the fire to the phone and seat. No injuries were reported. Fire officials highlighted the importance of using proper chargers, inspecting devices regularly for damage, and following manufacturer guidelines to prevent such incidents.


Link to original article: CTV News


BREAKING NEWS: Lithium Battery Suspected Cause of Neck Fire


Location: Marblehead, Massachusetts, USA


Summary: On August 23, 2024, a fire broke out in a home on 3 Bridge Street in Marblehead, Massachusetts, likely caused by a lithium battery for a model plane that was charging in the kitchen. The homeowner discovered the fire after returning home to find her house filled with smoke. The Marblehead Fire Department quickly responded and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported, highlighting the importance of never leaving charging batteries unattended.


Link to original article: Marblehead Current


Firefighters Warn Against Unattended Charging Batteries After Northland Blaze


Location: Kansas City, Missouri, USA


Summary: On August 22, 2024, a fire broke out in a garage of a single-family home in Kansas City, Missouri, caused by a faulty lithium-ion battery left charging unattended. The Kansas City Fire Department responded to the scene around 3:20 a.m., where they found smoke billowing from the garage. Fortunately, the homeowners were able to evacuate safely due to working smoke detectors, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters stressed the importance of never leaving batteries charging unattended, as overcharging can lead to fires.


Link to original article: KCTV5 News


Lithium Ion Batteries Cause 2 Fires at Cortlandt, Somers Residences


Location: Cortlandt and Somers, New York, USA


Summary: Two separate fires in Northern Westchester, New York, were caused by lithium-ion batteries in August 2024. The first incident occurred in Somers when a battery in a child-sized all-terrain vehicle caught fire, leading to smoke and toxic gas emissions. The second fire happened in Cortlandt when a portable percussive massager exploded due to being charged with an incorrect charger, delivering three times the required power. In both cases, the residents were alerted by smoke detectors, allowing them to evacuate safely, and the fires were contained by firefighters.


Link to original article: Cortlandt Daily Voice


Children’s Book Sparks Fire Inside Burke County Minivan, Investigators Say


Location: Burke County, North Carolina, USA


Summary: A fire broke out inside a minivan in Burke County, North Carolina, after a lithium battery in a children's book overheated, igniting a child’s safety seat. The incident occurred shortly after the vehicle returned from a trip, and the fire was discovered by a neighbor who noticed smoke coming from the van. Fortunately, no one was injured. The fire department responded quickly, and the damage was confined to the interior of the minivan. The fire chief noted the increasing prevalence of lithium batteries in everyday items and the potential risks they pose, especially when left unattended.


Link to original article: Yahoo News




Two People Injured as E-Skateboard Explodes Overnight - Roseville


Location: Roseville, New South Wales, Australia


Summary: In the early hours of August 29, 2024, a lithium-ion battery in an e-skateboard exploded inside a Roseville home, injuring two occupants. The explosion occurred around 2:20 a.m., waking one of the residents who discovered the room filling with smoke. The two occupants sustained burns and smoke inhalation injuries while removing the device from the house and were subsequently transported to the hospital. Fire and Rescue NSW responded with two trucks and eight firefighters, emphasizing the importance of safe practices when charging lithium-ion batteries.


Link to original article: Fire and Rescue NSW




Faulty E-Bike Battery Thought Responsible for House Fire - Merrylands


Location: Merrylands, New South Wales, Australia


Summary: On August 28, 2024, a house fire in Merrylands, Sydney, was likely caused by a faulty lithium-ion battery in an e-bike. The fire broke out at a residence on Murray Street around 2:00 p.m., leading to a large-scale response involving six fire trucks and more than 24 firefighters. The intense blaze caused extensive damage to the home, but fortunately, no one was injured. Investigators from Fire and Rescue NSW found a large stockpile of lithium-ion batteries and e-bikes on the property, suggesting the site may have been used for an e-bike spare parts business.


Link to original article: Fire and Rescue NSW




Firefighters Battle a Unit Fire in Footscray


Location: Footscray, Victoria, Australia


Summary: On August 26, 2024, a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery in an e-bike broke out in a first-floor unit in Footscray, Victoria. The fire started around 6:48 a.m., and Fire Rescue Victoria responded promptly, containing the fire to one unit in a block of six. Two occupants self-evacuated through a window and were treated by Ambulance Victoria. The fire caused extensive damage to the unit, underscoring the risks associated with charging e-bikes and other lithium-ion battery-powered devices indoors.


Link to original article: Fire Rescue Victoria


Lithium Battery Fire in Dashwood


Location: Dashwood, Ontario, Canada


Summary: On August 23, 2024, a fire broke out in a home in Dashwood, Ontario, when a power bank spontaneously ignited while sitting on a bed beneath a charging iPad. The family was outside when the smoke detector activated, and the father was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. The incident caused damage to a mattress and surrounding items. South Huron Fire Chief Jeremy Becker emphasized the importance of charging devices on hard surfaces and not on flammable materials like beds, as lithium-ion batteries can overheat and pose serious risks if not properly maintained.


Link to original article: CTV News




Brooklyn Fire that Displaced 30 People and Long Island City Barge Fire Both Caused by Lithium-Ion Batteries, FDNY Says


Location: Brooklyn and Long Island City, New York, USA


Summary: On August 28-29, 2024, two separate fires in New York City were caused by lithium-ion batteries. The first fire occurred in a Brooklyn row home, displacing over 30 people and injuring six firefighters. The fire was started by a lithium-ion battery from an electric scooter, which quickly spread to five homes. The second fire involved a barge in Long Island City that ignited due to a lithium-ion battery at a metal recycling facility.


Link to original article: ABC7 New York


Firefighter Responds to Dangerous E-Bike Fire on His Way to Work - Alexandria


Location: Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia


Summary: On August 28, 2024, a Fire and Rescue NSW firefighter driving to work intervened in an e-bike fire in Alexandria, Sydney. A 15-year-old teenager was riding the e-bike when it burst into flames due to an overheated lithium-ion battery. The firefighter, David Jordan, quickly responded, helping to douse the flames and guiding bystanders to safety. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes.


Link to original article: Fire and Rescue NSW




Segway Charger Likely Caused Eastbourne House Fire


Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK


Summary: On August 29, 2024, a house fire on Woburn Way in Eastbourne, East Sussex, was likely caused by a lithium battery from a Segway charger. The fire broke out at around 9:40 p.m., and emergency services, including six fire appliances and an aerial ladder, responded to the scene. The fire caused significant damage to the first floor and loft space of the property. One woman received assistance from the ambulance service, and locals were advised to keep windows closed and avoid the area while crews worked to control the blaze.


Link to original article: BBC News


Lithium Scooter Battery Explodes Closing Major Street in Fresno


Location: Fresno, California, USA


Summary: On August 29, 2024, a lithium battery in an electric scooter exploded on McKinley Avenue near Highway 41 in Fresno, California, causing the street to close. The rider, Anthony Spradling, noticed smoke coming from the battery compartment while riding to work. He stopped, and the battery exploded, ejecting debris about 150 feet away. No injuries were reported, but the incident led to a hazardous materials cleanup. The explosion has prompted warnings against using off-brand batteries and highlighted the importance of proper handling of lithium-ion batteries.


Link to original article: KMPH News




Lithium-Ion Battery Caused Barge Blaze on Newtown Creek in Long Island City: FDNY


Location: Long Island City, New York, USA


Summary: On August 30, 2024, a massive fire on a barge in Newtown Creek, Long Island City, was caused by a lithium-ion battery among the scrap metal on board. The fire started at around 9:30 p.m. and took over four hours to extinguish. FDNY deployed 12 units, including marine units and 60 firefighters, to tackle the blaze. FDNY officials emphasized the dangers of improperly disposing of lithium-ion batteries, which can spontaneously ignite. This incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in recycling facilities and underscores the need for safe disposal practices.


Link to original article: LIC Post


Understanding the Risks: Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Pose a Fire Hazard


Lithium-ion batteries, while popular for their efficiency and capacity, are known to pose significant fire hazards if damaged, overcharged, or improperly disposed of. The inherent risk comes from the chemistry of the battery itself. When a lithium-ion battery is damaged, punctured, or overheated, it can enter a state called thermal runaway. This process leads to an uncontrolled increase in temperature and pressure, potentially causing an explosion or fire.


Key Safety Measures for Preventing Lithium-Ion Battery Fires


To minimize the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, follow these essential safety practices:


  1. Proper Charging Practices: Always use chargers provided by the manufacturer and avoid leaving devices charging unattended.

  2. Safe Storage: Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials. Avoid charging devices on beds or other soft surfaces.

  3. Regular Inspections: Frequently check batteries and devices for signs of wear or damage, such as swelling, leaks, or unusual heat generation.

  4. Certified Products Only: Use batteries and chargers from reputable manufacturers to ensure they meet safety standards.


FAQ: Common Questions About Lithium-Ion Battery Safety


Q: What should I do if a lithium-ion battery starts smoking or catching fire?


A: Immediately disconnect the device from power if possible, move it to a non-combustible surface away from flammable materials, and evacuate the area. Call emergency services to handle the situation safely.


Q: How can community risk reduction strategies help manage the hazards of lithium-ion batteries?


A: Community risk reduction involves proactive measures, such as public education on battery safety, implementing building codes that require proper storage and disposal of batteries, and using fire suppression systems like sprinklers in buildings to contain potential fires.



Effective community risk reduction strategies can significantly mitigate the hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries. By raising public awareness, encouraging safe handling and storage practices, and ensuring proper disposal methods, communities can reduce the likelihood of such incidents. Additionally, adopting fire prevention measures, such as installing sprinkler systems in buildings, can help contain fires before they escalate, protecting lives and property.


As the use of lithium-ion batteries continues to grow, so does the potential for fire-related incidents. Building and fire safety professionals must stay vigilant, continuously educate the public, and implement effective fire prevention measures to manage these risks. By understanding the hazards and employing comprehensive community risk reduction strategies, we can work towards a safer, more resilient future.


References


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