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Writer's pictureTim Spears
Sep 217 min read

Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Incidents Between September 1st and 10th



In our increasingly technology-driven world, lithium-ion batteries have become an essential component in countless devices, from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and energy storage systems. However, as their use has become widespread, so too has the risk associated with these powerful energy sources. This blog post, part of our ongoing series at the Risk Reduction Review, highlights recent incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires and underscores the importance of community risk reduction and fire prevention. Between September 1st and September 10th, 2024, several fires involving lithium-ion batteries were reported across various locations.


Understanding the Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries


Lithium-ion batteries are favored for their high energy density, long lifespan, and ability to recharge efficiently. However, these same characteristics can pose significant dangers if the batteries are damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to extreme temperatures. A phenomenon known as thermal runaway can occur when a battery generates more heat than it can dissipate, leading to a rapid and uncontrolled release of energy, often resulting in fire or explosion (National Fire Protection Association [NFPA], 2022).


Below are several recent examples that highlight the dangers these batteries can pose.


Recent Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents


Battery Fire in Heights Garbage Truck Highlights Ongoing Hazard


Location: Washington Heights, New York, USA


Summary: A sanitation truck caught fire on September 6, 2024, after a lithium-ion battery, improperly disposed of, began smoking inside the truck. The New York City Department of Sanitation reported this as part of a growing trend, with 30 similar fires in 2024 alone. This incident underscores the need for safe disposal practices for lithium-ion batteries.



Battery Warning After Norfolk House Fire


Location: Bowthorpe, Norfolk, United Kingdom


Summary: On September 2, 2024, a house fire in Norfolk was caused by a lithium-ion battery that malfunctioned while charging. The battery, purchased from an online retailer, ignited, causing significant damage to the property. The incident highlights the risks of using substandard batteries and the importance of purchasing from reputable sources.






Crews Battle First-Alarm Battery Fire Outside West Phoenix Business


Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA


Summary: A fire broke out on September 2, 2024, outside a commercial building where lithium-ion batteries, set to be recycled, ignited. The fire produced smoke visible for miles, though no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.






E-Bike Battery Malfunction Causes Fire in South Florida


Location: Boca Raton, Florida, USA


Summary: On September 10, 2024, an e-bike battery malfunctioned, leading to a fire at a 5,000-square-foot home in Boca Raton. The fire, which started on the back patio, was quickly extinguished by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, with no injuries reported.





Fargo Fire Department Extinguishes Fire Caused by Electric Bike Battery


Location: Fargo, North Dakota, USA


Summary: A fire caused by a damaged e-bike battery broke out in a Fargo apartment building on September 4, 2024. The fire, which led to significant smoke damage, was quickly contained by firefighters. Residents were temporarily displaced, but no injuries were reported.



E-Bike Catches Fire While Charging at Busan Convention Center


Location: Busan, South Korea


Summary: An electric bike caught fire in the underground parking lot of the Bexco Exhibition and Convention Center on September 9, 2024. The building’s sprinkler system quickly controlled the fire, which caused minor property damage but no injuries.



Fire in Hornchurch


Location: Hornchurch, London, United Kingdom


Summary: A lithium-ion battery failure caused a fire in a single-story building on Wood Lane in Hornchurch. The London Fire Brigade extinguished the fire within 27 minutes, preventing further damage.



Fire at Loyang Data Centre, SCDF Operations Still Ongoing After a Day


Location: Loyang, Singapore


Summary: On September 10, 2024, a significant fire broke out at the Digital Realty data centre due to lithium-ion batteries stored in battery rooms. The fire led to the evacuation of 20 people and caused substantial disruption to major clients.



Fire Breaks at Hardware Store, No Injuries


Location: Batu Bersurat, Brunei


Summary: A fire ignited by an overheated lithium-ion battery occurred in a hardware store in Brunei on September 3, 2024. Firefighters quickly controlled the fire, which caused damage but no injuries.



Fire Destroys Large Detached Garage in Cottage Hill for Second Time in Four Years


Location: Cottage Hill, Florida, USA


Summary: A large detached garage in Cottage Hill was destroyed by a fire on September 1, 2024, caused by lithium-ion batteries for radio-controlled cars. This was the second fire at the same location in four years.



Li-ion Battery Behind Thursday Night Fire in Auburn


Location: Auburn, New York, USA


Summary: A lithium-ion battery charging on a kitchen counter caused a fire in Auburn on September 5, 2024. The fire displaced four adults and caused significant damage, but no injuries were reported.



Lithium Battery Explosion Suspected Cause of Fire that Prompted Evacuation at Kansas Star Casino


Location: Mulvane, Kansas, USA


Summary: On September 5, 2024, a fire at the Kansas Star Casino, caused by a lithium battery explosion, led to an emergency evacuation. The fire was contained by the sprinkler system, with no injuries reported.





Lithium-Ion Batteries Caused Fire at Commercial Garage in Homosassa, Officials Say


Location: Homosassa, Florida, USA


Summary: On September 10, 2024, a fire broke out in a commercial garage in Homosassa, Florida, where lithium-ion batteries awaiting warranty-related pickup ignited. No injuries were reported.



Marathon Operation to Extinguish Burning Semi Carrying Lithium-Ion Batteries


Location: Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia


Summary: A semi-trailer carrying lithium-ion batteries caught fire on September 9, 2024, near Kempsey, Australia. The fire took more than four hours to contain, with specialized firefighters deployed to prevent re-ignition.






Lithium-Ion Battery Fire in Escondido Prompts Large Response


Location: Escondido, California, USA


Summary: On September 5, 2024, a fire broke out at the SDG&E Northeast Operations Center, a lithium-ion battery energy storage facility in Escondido. The fire led to the evacuation of nearby homes and businesses, but no injuries were reported.






Scooter Ignites, Causes Fire in Northwest Apartment


Location: Washington, D.C., USA


Summary: On September 1, 2024, a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery-powered scooter ignited in a Washington, D.C., apartment. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control, and no injuries were reported.



Urgent Battery Warning Issued After Fire at Recycling Centre Forces Closure


Location: Lytham, Lancashire, United Kingdom


Summary: A fire at the Lytham Household Waste Centre on September 8, 2024, was caused by a 'dead' lithium-ion battery. The incident led to the temporary closure of the facility and highlighted the ongoing risks of improper battery disposal.






Safety Measures and Risk Reduction


These incidents, while varied in their specifics, all underscore the critical need for better awareness and handling of lithium-ion batteries. According to the National Fire Protection Association (2022), lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space, making them both powerful and potentially hazardous. Proper usage, including following manufacturer instructions and using the correct chargers, can mitigate some risks. However, even with proper care, these batteries can fail. Therefore, understanding the signs of a potential problem, such as unusual odors, excessive heat, or changes in shape, is crucial (Underwriters Laboratories, 2023).


The NFPA (2022) also emphasizes the importance of safe disposal practices. Lithium-ion batteries should never be discarded in regular trash. Instead, they should be taken to designated recycling centers to prevent incidents like the one at the Lytham Household Waste Centre. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries may need specialized fire suppression systems. Testing has shown that water is the most effective agent for cooling these fires, and a properly installed sprinkler system can significantly reduce the risk of a major incident (NFPA, 2024).


Lithium-ion batteries are an indispensable part of modern life, but they come with inherent risks that must be managed. The incidents discussed in this post highlight the importance of proper handling, storage, and disposal of these batteries to prevent fires and protect both life and property. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to safety and community risk reduction. By staying informed and vigilant, we can mitigate the dangers associated with these powerful energy sources.


For more information on lithium-ion battery safety and fire prevention, visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Underwriters Laboratories websites.


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