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Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: Early January 2025 Incident Review and Safety Insights

Writer's picture: Tim SpearsTim Spears



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: Pune, Maharashtra, India


Summary: 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: Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, India


Summary: 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: ETV Bharat


Fire in Open Involving Lithium Battery – Shrewsbury


Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire, United Kingdom


Summary: 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.



4-Alarm Onset Fire Most Likely Started with Lithium-Ion Batteries


Location: Onset, Massachusetts, USA


Summary: 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: Mass.gov


Crews Battle Battery Fire at Moorpark Drone Company


Location: Moorpark, California, USA


Summary: 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: Santa Cruz, California, USA


Summary: 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: KION 546


E-Bike Likely Cause of California Apartment Fire That Injured Three


Location: Santa Cruz, California, USA


Summary: 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: KSBW


Battery Blaze Sparks Murrindindi Council Warning


Location: Murrindindi Shire, Victoria, Australia


Summary: 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: Hazlehurst, Georgia, USA


Summary: 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: Port of Gandia, Valencia, Spain


Summary: 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: PV Magazine


Faulty POS System Caused Fire That Shuttered Three Old Town Businesses


Location: 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: ALXnow


Giant Lithium Battery Unit on Fire After Truck Overturns in Southern Taiwan


Location: Yunlin County, Taiwan


Summary: 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: Nairne, South Australia


Summary: 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: Penn Township, Pennsylvania, USA


Summary: 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: WGAL News


Four Cars and Several Motorcycles Destroyed in Fire Due to Electric Scooter Explosion


Location: Santa Clara, Cuba


Summary: 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: CiberCuba


Onalaska Structure Fire Caused by Lithium-Ion Battery Charging Process


Location: Onalaska, Wisconsin, USA


Summary: 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: WEAU News


Person Hospitalized After Faulty Battery Sparks Kitchen Fire


Location: Penycae, Wrexham, Wales, UK


Summary: 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: Regla, Havana, Cuba


Summary: 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: CiberCuba


Montreal-Area Woman’s Car Totaled After Lithium Battery Fire


Location: Saint-Lazare, Quebec, Canada


Summary: 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: CTV News


Transit Bus Catches Fire in Grants Pass During Battery Testing


Location: Grants Pass, Oregon, USA


Summary: 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: KOBI-TV NBC5


Two Dead, Seven Injured in Laptop Battery Fire


Location: Faisalabad, Pakistan


Summary: 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: Lake Worth Beach, Florida, USA


Summary: 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: WPTV


Solar System Battery Explodes, Vanderbijl Family Narrowly Escapes


Location: Vanderbijlpark, South Africa


Summary: 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: Charging beyond capacity can cause overheating.

  • Physical Damage: Crushed or punctured batteries can short-circuit.

  • Manufacturing Defects: Poor-quality batteries are prone to failure.

  • Improper Disposal: 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:


  1. Proper Charging Practices:

    • Use manufacturer-approved chargers.

    • Avoid charging batteries overnight or unattended.

    • Keep batteries away from flammable materials.


  2. 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.


  3. Safe Disposal and Recycling:

    • Never discard lithium-ion batteries in regular trash.

    • Utilize designated battery recycling facilities.

    • Follow hazardous waste disposal guidelines.


  4. 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


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