
Lithium-ion batteries have become an important part of modern life, powering everything from electric vehicles to consumer electronics. However, their benefits come with risks, particularly when mishandled, improperly charged, or disposed of incorrectly. This blog post compiles recent lithium-ion battery fire incidents to highlight the dangers associated with these batteries and the need for stringent fire safety measures. The incidents, occurring across various occupancies and industries, reinforce the importance of fire prevention, risk reduction, and proper handling procedures.
Notable Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Incidents
10 Two-Wheelers Gutted in Fire in Ambegaon Khurd Housing Society
Location:Â Pune, Maharashtra, India
Summary:Â A fire broke out in the parking area of Madhu Angan housing society at around 1:00 AM, destroying ten two-wheelers, including six scooters and four motorcycles. The fire originated from the battery of one of the scooters due to a short circuit. The heat and flames quickly spread to other nearby vehicles, consuming fiber-structured components and causing damage to the ceiling and walls of the parking area. Residents attempted to douse the fire using buckets of water before fire tenders arrived. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and authorities ruled the fire accidental.
Link to original article: Times of India
11-Year-Old Girl Dies as E-Scooter Explodes While Charging in Ratlam
Location:Â Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, India
Summary:Â An 11-year-old girl tragically lost her life when an e-scooter exploded while charging inside a home in the Laxmanpura area of PNT Colony. The explosion occurred around 2:30 AM, causing the entire house to catch fire. The child, who was visiting her maternal grandparents, died due to suffocation, while her grandmother and a 12-year-old relative sustained severe burn injuries and were hospitalized. The police are investigating the cause of the explosion.
Link to original article:Â ETVÂ Bharat
Fire in Open Involving Lithium Battery – Shrewsbury
Location:Â Shrewsbury, Shropshire, United Kingdom
Summary:Â Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to a fire classified as "Fire in Open," which involved a lithium battery. The fire was extinguished, and fire crews provided safety advice to the homeowner. No further details were provided regarding injuries, property damage, or the type of lithium battery involved.
Link to original article: Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
4-Alarm Onset Fire Most Likely Started with Lithium-Ion Batteries
Location:Â Onset, Massachusetts, USA
Summary:Â A four-alarm fire severely damaged a hobby shop and a neighboring business, with investigators determining that the fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery failure. Firefighters responded to a 911 call and an alarm activation at 3086 Cranberry Highway, arriving to find heavy smoke and fire conditions in a multi-occupancy commercial building. The fire, which rapidly escalated, required regional mutual aid support. One firefighter was transported to the hospital but later released. Hundreds of lithium-ion batteries were found at the fire scene, with some reigniting during overhaul, necessitating a Tier 1 Hazmat response. Surveillance footage confirmed that the fire originated in the front left corner of the store where batteries were stored and charged.
Link to original article:Â Mass.gov
Crews Battle Battery Fire at Moorpark Drone Company
Location:Â Moorpark, California, USA
Summary:Â Fire crews responded to a battery fire at AeroVironment, Inc., a drone manufacturing company. The fire originated in a 25-pound lithium battery pack that began producing smoke inside the facility. Firefighters isolated the battery pack outside the building while awaiting hazardous materials crews to assist with extinguishment. The building was evacuated, and one person experienced minor smoke inhalation but was not hospitalized. No structural damage was reported. Hazmat teams conducted decontamination procedures before allowing workers to return.
Link to original article: Ventura County Star
E-Bike Charger Starts UCSC Apartment Fire, Displacing Three Families
Location:Â Santa Cruz, California, USA
Summary:Â An e-bike charger was identified as the cause of a fire that destroyed a family housing apartment at the University of California, Santa Cruz. The fire was reported around 9:00 PM, and the rapid spread forced three families to evacuate. The battery ignited despite being disconnected from a charger. No injuries were reported, but the affected units were red-tagged as uninhabitable. UCSC provided emergency housing for the displaced families.
Link to original article:Â KIONÂ 546
E-Bike Likely Cause of California Apartment Fire That Injured Three
Location:Â Santa Cruz, California, USA
Summary:Â A fire at an apartment complex on Grant Street displaced nearly two dozen residents and left three people injured. Fire officials determined that the fire started in a living room where an electric bike battery self-ignited. Firefighters rescued two individuals, while a third suffered minor burns while attempting to extinguish the flames with a garden hose. The fire caused approximately $1 million in damage, rendering four apartment units unlivable due to fire, smoke, and water damage.
Link to original article:Â KSBW
Battery Blaze Sparks Murrindindi Council Warning
Location:Â Murrindindi Shire, Victoria, Australia
Summary:Â A fire broke out at Alexandra Landfill after a lithium battery disposed of in household waste ignited a garbage load, which spread to surrounding waste. Landfill staff quickly isolated the burning material before firefighters from the CFA fully extinguished the blaze. The incident prompted a public warning from Murrindindi Shire Council about the dangers of improperly disposing of batteries, particularly in high-risk fire conditions. Officials emphasized the need for designated battery disposal sites to prevent similar incidents.
Link to original article: Inside Local Government
Fire Department Battles Blazes – Lithium Battery Charger Fire Destroys Room in Home
Location:Â Hazlehurst, Georgia, USA
Summary:Â The Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County Fire Department responded to multiple fires in early January, including a residential fire on Medders Road caused by a lithium battery charger. The fire destroyed a room and its contents before firefighters extinguished the blaze. Additional fires in the region, including a home fire on Amanda Thomas Road and multiple brush fires, kept firefighters busy during this period.
Link to original article: Jeff Davis Ledger
Firefighter Injured in Solar-Plus-Storage Explosion and Fire in Spain
Location:Â Port of Gandia, Valencia, Spain
Summary:Â A fire broke out in a containerized battery storage unit at a photovoltaic installation at the Port of Gandia. The incident, which occurred at 6:14 PM on January 4, led to an explosion that injured a 46-year-old firefighter. Toxic smoke from the burning lithium batteries was visible for miles. Firefighters successfully protected an adjacent warehouse containing flammable materials and extinguished the fire by the following morning. The affected energy storage facility housed a 1 MW lithium-ion battery paired with a 705 kW solar array.
Link to original article:Â PVÂ Magazine
Faulty POS System Caused Fire That Shuttered Three Old Town Businesses
Location:Â Alexandria, Virginia, USA
Summary: A fire that destroyed three businesses in Old Town Alexandria was traced to a faulty lithium-ion battery in a point-of-sale (POS) system at Madam Coco’s Emporium. The company responsible for the POS system had issued a recall notice just two days before the fire, warning of a potential battery issue. The fire forced Friends to Lovers Bookstore, Madam Coco’s, and Little Birdies Boutique to shut down, with the building being condemned. No injuries were reported, and affected businesses are working toward reopening.
Link to original article:Â ALXnow
Giant Lithium Battery Unit on Fire After Truck Overturns in Southern Taiwan
Location:Â Yunlin County, Taiwan
Summary:Â A large truck carrying a solar power storage unit containing over 3,000 lithium-ion batteries overturned on January 6. The batteries began emitting white smoke for over 12 hours before igniting into flames around 4:00 AM the following day. Due to the risk of explosion, firefighters were instructed not to move the unit and instead allowed the thermal reaction to complete. Authorities closed roads within a 200-meter radius for public safety. At the time of reporting, the fire had not yet been fully extinguished.
Link to original article: Taiwan English News
Helping a Nairne Battery Business to Rebuild After Fire
Location:Â Nairne, South Australia
Summary:Â A workshop fire at Power-Packed Batteries in Nairne was caused by an exploding lithium-ion push-bike battery on January 13. The fire resulted in significant damage to stock and equipment, requiring a complete rebuild. Twelve Country Fire Service (CFS) firefighters contained the blaze to the workshop. Due to high insurance costs, the family-run business is relying on community support and fundraising efforts to recover.
Link to original article: Power FM SA
 Lancaster County, PA Fire Company Warns of Lithium Battery Dangers After E-Bike Catches Fire
Location:Â Penn Township, Pennsylvania, USA
Summary:Â An electric bike caught fire against a barn on Fairview Road in Lancaster County early Wednesday morning. The owner was able to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher before fire crews arrived. The Penryn Fire Company used the incident to warn the public about the dangers of lithium batteries, advising residents to charge e-bikes and similar devices outside their homes whenever possible.
Link to original article:Â WGALÂ News
Four Cars and Several Motorcycles Destroyed in Fire Due to Electric Scooter Explosion
Location:Â Santa Clara, Cuba
Summary:Â A devastating fire erupted in a shared garage in the Manuelita neighborhood of Santa Clara following the explosion of an electric scooter that had been left plugged in overnight. The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds and combustible materials in the garage, resulting in the total loss of four cars, several motorcycles, and a repair shop stocked with tools. Authorities are investigating the incident, which highlights the dangers of improper lithium battery charging practices.
Link to original article:Â CiberCuba
Onalaska Structure Fire Caused by Lithium-Ion Battery Charging Process
Location:Â Onalaska, Wisconsin, USA
Summary:Â A commercial structure fire at Strupp Trucking and Excavating was determined to be caused by the charging process of a lithium-ion battery. The fire, which broke out around 3:00 AM, resulted in a total loss of the building. Firefighters from seven agencies used over 100,000 gallons of water to extinguish the blaze. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Link to original article:Â WEAUÂ News
Person Hospitalized After Faulty Battery Sparks Kitchen Fire
Location:Â Penycae, Wrexham, Wales, UK
Summary:Â A house fire in Penycae was caused by a faulty lithium battery, leading to the complete destruction of the kitchen. Fire crews from Johnstown and Wrexham responded to the early morning blaze at 1:45 AM. One person was taken to the hospital, but their condition was not disclosed. The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service classified the fire as accidental.
Link to original article: North Wales Live
Battery Explosion Kills Two Siblings in Havana
Location:Â Regla, Havana, Cuba
Summary:Â A tragic fire claimed the lives of two siblings, 13-year-old Andy Casanova and 16-year-old Keyla Casanova, after a motorcycle battery exploded while charging under their bed. The explosion ignited a fire that left other family members injured, including Keyla's boyfriend, who remains in critical condition. Authorities have noted a rise in similar lithium-ion battery-related fires, often caused by improper charging practices.
Link to original article:Â CiberCuba
Montreal-Area Woman’s Car Totaled After Lithium Battery Fire
Location:Â Saint-Lazare, Quebec, Canada
Summary:Â A woman lost her car after a lithium-ion battery in a leaf blower left inside the vehicle caught fire. The Montreal Fire Department confirmed the battery as the cause of the blaze. The incident underscores a growing trend in lithium battery fires, with local fire officials reporting an increase in such cases from 7 in 2021 to 71 in 2024. The victim, Krystel Fitz-Andrews, expressed relief that her children were not in the vehicle at the time.
Link to original article:Â CTVÂ News
Transit Bus Catches Fire in Grants Pass During Battery Testing
Location:Â Grants Pass, Oregon, USA
Summary:Â A transit bus caught fire while undergoing battery testing for voltage issues. The vehicle contained 8,000 lithium-ion batteries housed in six boxes in the ceiling. A short circuit in one battery caused a chain reaction, leading to the fire. Authorities reported that such incidents are rare, with only five known cases of electric buses catching fire in the U.S. The bus will be monitored for 24 hours to prevent reignition.
Link to original article:Â KOBI-TVÂ NBC5
Two Dead, Seven Injured in Laptop Battery Fire
Location:Â Faisalabad, Pakistan
Summary:Â A fire erupted in a home in the Shareef Pura neighborhood after a laptop battery exploded while charging. The blaze killed two siblings and severely injured seven other family members, including five children and two women. All victims were transported to Allied Hospital for treatment. The Punjab Chief Minister has ordered the best possible medical care for the injured.
Link to original article: The Current PK
Lithium-Ion Battery from Vape Pen Sparks House Fire
Location:Â Lake Worth Beach, Florida, USA
Summary:Â A house fire was sparked by a lithium-ion battery from a vape pen, igniting the backyard and quickly spreading into the dining area. A bystander helped contain the flames using water buckets before fire crews arrived. The homeowners lost patio and dining furniture, but no injuries were reported. Fire officials noted a rise in lithium battery-related fires in the area.
Link to original article:Â WPTV
Solar System Battery Explodes, Vanderbijl Family Narrowly Escapes
Location:Â Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
Summary:Â A lithium-ion battery from a solar power system exploded inside a family home, causing injuries to multiple people. The explosion, compared to 200-500 grams of TNT, severely damaged the roof, ceiling fans, windows, and furniture. The battery had been stored for a year before it began emitting smoke and making popping noises. Experts attributed the explosion to chemical degradation. Quick action by the fire brigade and neighbors prevented further fire damage.
Link to original article: Sedibeng Ster
Understanding the Risk
Lithium-ion batteries pose significant fire hazards due to their chemical composition and energy density. They can experience thermal runaway, a chain reaction leading to rapid overheating, fire, and even explosions. Several key risk factors contribute to lithium-ion battery fires:
Overcharging:Â Charging beyond capacity can cause overheating.
Physical Damage:Â Crushed or punctured batteries can short-circuit.
Manufacturing Defects:Â Poor-quality batteries are prone to failure.
Improper Disposal:Â Batteries discarded in regular waste can ignite fires in landfills.
Fire Safety Measures for Lithium-Ion Batteries
To mitigate the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, the following safety measures are recommended:
Proper Charging Practices:
Use manufacturer-approved chargers.
Avoid charging batteries overnight or unattended.
Keep batteries away from flammable materials.
Storage and Handling Precautions:
Store batteries in a cool, dry place.
Avoid stacking or exposing batteries to direct sunlight.
Transport batteries in compliance with safety regulations.
Safe Disposal and Recycling:
Never discard lithium-ion batteries in regular trash.
Utilize designated battery recycling facilities.
Follow hazardous waste disposal guidelines.
Fire Suppression and Emergency Response:
Install fire suppression systems in areas storing large quantities of batteries.
Train personnel in battery fire response techniques
Lithium-ion battery fires continue to present challenges for fire prevention and community risk reduction. The incidents highlighted in this post demonstrate the devastating consequences of improper battery use, storage, and disposal. By taking proactive measures, we can minimize risks and ensure safer environments for our communities.
References
Times of India. (2025, January 5). 10 two-wheelers gutted in fire in Ambegaon Khurd housing society. Times of India. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/10-two-wheelers-gutted-in-fire-in-ambegaon-khurd-housing-society/articleshow/116948402.cms
ETV Bharat. (2025, January 5). 11-Year-Old Girl Dies As E-Scooter Explodes While Charging In MP's Ratlam. ETV Bharat. Retrieved from https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/ratlam-e-scooter-exploded-while-charging-11-year-old-girl-died-in-blast-enn25010503958
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service. (2025, January 1). 132343 | Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service. Retrieved from https://www.shropshirefire.gov.uk/132343
Mass.gov. (2025, January 8). 4-Alarm Onset Fire Most Likely Started with Lithium-Ion Batteries. Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. Retrieved from https://www.mass.gov/news/4-alarm-onset-fire-most-likely-started-with-lithium-ion-batteries
Ventura County Star. (2025, January 6). Crews battle battery fire at Moorpark drone company. Ventura County Star. Retrieved from https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/2025/01/06/crews-battle-battery-fire-at-moorpark-drone-company/77488912007/
KION 546. (2025, January 3). E-bike charger starts UCSC family unit apartment fire Friday night; three families displaced. KION 546. Retrieved from https://kion546.com/news/santa-cruz-county/santa-cruz/2025/01/03/e-bike-charger-starts-ucsc-family-unit-apartment-fire-friday-night-ucsc-campus/
KSBW. (2024, May 1). E-bike likely cause of California apartment fire that injured 3. KSBW News. Retrieved from https://www.ksbw.com/article/santa-cruz-apartment-fire-houseless/60660687
Inside Local Government. (2025, January 12). Battery blaze sparks Murrindindi council warning. Inside Local Government. Retrieved from https://insidelocalgovernment.com.au/battery-blaze-sparks-murrindindi-council-warning/
Brooklyn News 12. (2025, January 1). FDNY: New Year's fire destroys Flatbush business and leaves residents displaced. Brooklyn News 12. Retrieved from https://brooklyn.news12.com/fdny-new-years-fire-destroys-flatbush-business-and-leaves-residents-displaced
Jeff Davis Ledger. (2025, January 8). Fire Department battles blazes. Jeff Davis Ledger. Retrieved from https://www.jdledger.com/2025/01/08/fire-department-battles-blazes/
PV Magazine. (2025, January 10). Firefighter injured in solar-plus-storage explosion and fire in Spain. PV Magazine International. Retrieved from https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/01/10/firefighter-injured-in-solar-plus-storage-explosion-and-fire-in-spain/
KOBI-TV NBC5. (2025, January 10). Transit bus catches fire in Grants Pass during battery testing. KOBI-TV NBC5. Retrieved from https://kobi5.com/news/transit-bus-catches-fire-in-grants-pass-during-battery-testing-262390
The Current PK. (2025, January 6). Two dead, seven injured in laptop battery fire. The Current PK. Retrieved from https://thecurrent.pk/two-dead-seven-injured-in-laptop-battery-fire
WPTV. (2025, January 7). 'UNBELIEVABLE AND SCARY': Lithium-ion battery from vape pen sparks house fire. WPTV News. Retrieved from https://www.wptv.com/news/palm-beach-county/unbelievable-and-scary-lithium-ion-battery-from-vape-pen-sparks-house-fire-in-lake-worth-beach
Sedibeng Ster. (2025, January 13). Solar system battery explodes: Vanderbijl family narrowly escapes. Sedibeng Ster. Retrieved from https://www.citizen.co.za/sedibeng-ster/news/news-news/2025/01/13/solar-system-battery-explodes-vanderbijl-family-narrowly-escapes
CTV News. (2025, January 10). Montreal-area woman's car totaled after lithium battery started fire. CTV News. Retrieved from https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/montreal-area-woman-s-car-totaled-after-lithium-battery-started-fire-1.7171729
WEAU News. (2025, January 21). Onalaska structure fire update. WEAU. Retrieved from https://www.weau.com/2025/01/21/onalaska-structure-fire-update/
North Wales Live. (2025, January 8). Person taken to hospital after faulty battery sparks fire which destroyed kitchen. North Wales Live. Retrieved from https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/person-taken-hospital-after-faulty-30731101
CiberCuba. (2025, January 12). Probable cause of battery explosion that cost the lives of two brothers in Havana revealed. CiberCuba. Retrieved from https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2025-01-12-u1-e135253-s27061-nid295327-revelan-causa-probable-explosion-bateria-costo-vida
Taiwan English News. (2025, January 7). Giant lithium battery unit on fire after truck overturns in southern Taiwan. Taiwan English News. Retrieved from https://taiwanenglishnews.com/giant-lithium-battery-unit-on-fire-after-truck-overturns-in-southern-taiwan/
Power FM SA. (2025, January 17). Helping a Nairne battery business to rebuild after fire. Power FM SA. Retrieved from https://www.powerfmsa.com.au/local-news/helping-a-nairne-battery-business-to-rebuild-after-fire/
WGAL News. (2025, January 10). Lancaster County, Pa. fire company warns of lithium battery dangers after e-bike catches fire. WGAL News. Retrieved from https://www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-lancaster-county-penryn-fire-company-lithium-batteries-e-bike-fire/63395140
CiberCuba. (2025, January 6). Four cars and several motorcycles completely destroyed in a fire due to a motor fuel explosion in Santa Clara. CiberCuba. Retrieved from https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2025-01-06-u1-e43231-s27061-nid294927-cuatro-autos-varias-motos-totalmente-destruidos
ALXnow. (2025, January 14). Faulty POS system caused fire that shuttered three Old Town businesses. ALXnow. Retrieved from https://www.alxnow.com/2025/01/14/faulty-pos-system-caused-fire-that-shuttered-three-old-town-businesses/
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