Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: July 20 - 26

Lithium-ion battery fires are becoming a regular concern for communities and first responders. As these batteries power everything from laptops and power tools to e-bikes and garbage trucks, understanding the risks is more important than ever. That’s why I have put together a new slide show highlighting recent lithium-ion battery fire incidents and key lessons for prevention.

Here are a few recent events worth noting:

✅ Winston-Salem, NC (USA): A home fire caused by a lithium-ion battery displaced a resident, reminding us that even everyday devices can spark significant emergencies.

🔗 https://www.wxii12.com/article/1-person-displaced-structure-fire-petree-road-winston-salem-fire-department/65457529

✅ Aveley, Western Australia: A power tool battery ignited in a residential garage, resulting in a fast-moving fire that destroyed the home. 🔗https://thewest.com.au/news/disaster-and-emergency/aveley-house-fire- lithium-battery-from-power-tool-caught-alight-and-ripped-through-home-on-sunday-morning-c-19415994

✅ Bangkok, Thailand (In flight): A passenger’s power bank caught fire mid-air, forcing an emergency landing. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

🔗https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/307621/Bangkok-Airways-flight-lands-safely-after-mid-air-power-bank-fire-sources

✅ Columbus, OH (USA): A cell phone battery caused a fire at a recycling facility, one of nine battery-related fires in a single month at the company’s sites.

🔗 https://fox8.com/news/9-fires-started-by-cell-phone-batteries-in-july-rumpke/

✅ Meridian, ID (USA): An apartment fire sparked by a wireless charging bank was quickly contained thanks to the building’s sprinkler system, preventing major damage.

🔗 https://idahonews.com/news/local/sprinkler-system-contains-meridian-apartment-fire-preventing-major-damage

Swipe through the slide show to see the full stories, key takeaways, and prevention strategies.

🔍 Lessons Learned from This Week’s Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

Reviewing recent lithium-ion battery fire incidents reveals patterns that can help professionals and the public prevent future fires. Here are important lessons drawn from this week’s events:

Improper Disposal Creates Major Risks: Several fires started in recycling centers or waste collection vehicles because batteries were thrown away with regular trash. Compaction and damage during disposal can cause batteries to ignite.

Takeaway: Dispose of batteries at approved recycling sites and never place them in household waste.

Blockage of Escape Routes Can Be Deadly: Battery fires can block exits, trapping occupants and delaying evacuation.

Takeaway: Never charge batteries in hallways, entrances, or areas that could block an escape route, keep charging areas clear and accessible.

Suppression Systems and Quick Actions Save Lives: Sprinkler systems, smoke alarms, and fast intervention by bystanders or staff can limit damage and prevent injuries.

Takeaway: Ensure smoke alarms and, where possible, sprinklers are installed and maintained, and encourage prompt action if a battery fire starts.

Poor Quality Devices Can Heighten Danger: Fires linked to faulty batteries and recalled power banks can start fires

Takeaway: Use only reputable, certified devices and batteries, and avoid purchasing or using recalled, damaged, or banned products.

By paying attention to these patterns and recommendations, both professionals and the public can help reduce the frequency and severity of lithium-ion battery fires.

References

Los Angeles Fire Department. (2025, July 25). Update hazardous materials 07/25/2025 INC#0373. Los Angeles Fire Department. https://lafd.org/alert/update-hazardous-materials-07252025-inc0373

The Yomiuri Shimbun. (2025, July 20). Tokyo’s Yamanote Line resumes services following suspension due to fire (UPDATE1). The Japan News. https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20250720-270503

NHK WORLD. (2025, July 22). Mobile battery that sparked fire on Tokyo train was under recall, sources say. NHK WORLD-JAPAN News. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250722_18

CBS2 News Staff. (2025, July 24). Sprinkler system contains Meridian apartment fire preventing major damage. Idaho News. https://idahonews.com/news/local/sprinkler-system-contains-meridian-apartment-fire-preventing-major-damage

Echo Newspaper. (2025, July 22). Lithium-ion battery blamed for Aveley house fire. Echo Newspaper. https://echonewspaper.com.au/news/lithium-ion-battery-blamed-for-aveley-house-fire

Fiala, N. (2025, July 20). Smoke fills Hurricane towing company building after battery pack catches fire. St. George News. https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/flood-and-fire/smoke-fills-hurricane-towing-company-building-after-battery-pack-catches-fire/article_64ee47c4-8d5d-4ba3-badf-9456e9ffc6ec.html

Fire and Rescue NSW. (2025, July 21). Lithium-ion battery sparks garage fire - Guildford. Fire and Rescue NSW. https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/incident.php

Packowitz, H. (2025, July 20). Lithium battery sparks fire in Bloomington public housing high-rise. 25News Now. https://www.25newsnow.com/2025/07/20/lithium-battery-sparks-fire-bloomington-public-housing-high-rise

Bebout, J. (2025, July 21). FWFD: Fort Wayne house fire started by improperly recycled vape pen. 21Alive News. https://www.21alivenews.com/2025/07/21/fwfd-fort-wayne-house-fire-started-by-improperly-recycled-vape-pen/

Ciampi, R. (2025, July 22). Garbage truck fire sparked by lithium-ion batteries. WTAE. https://www.wtae.com/article/westmoreland-county-garbage-truck-fire-cellphone-batteries/65477338

Hernandez, C. (2025, July 21). Gastonia Fire Department averts potential disaster, issues safety. Hoodline. https://hoodline.com/2025/07/gastonia-fire-department-averts-potential-disaster-issues-safety-alert-on-lithium-ion-battery-risks

Our Correspondent. (2025, July 26). Fire guts e-scooter while charging at home in Kochi. Onmanorama. https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/07/26/electric-scooter-fire-charging-kunnukara.html

Sims, A., & Jewett, A. (2025, July 22). Firefighters put out garage blaze, Tesla burned, following reports of explosion. FOX31 Denver. https://kdvr.com/news/local/firefighters-put-out-garage-blaze-tesla-burned-following-reports-of-explosion/

The West Australian. (2025, July 26). Forrestfield: Family home goes up in flames after lithium iron battery pack catches fire. The West Australian.

Avanier, E. (2025, July 24). Family of disabled veteran displaced after lithium laptop battery explodes, sets Southside Estates home ablaze. News4Jax. https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2025/07/24/family-of-disabled-veteran-displaced-after-lithium-laptop-battery-explodes-sets-southside-estates-home-ablaze/

Kendrick, S. (2025, July 22). Electric motorcycle destroyed after fire sparked by battery. North Wales Pioneer. https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/25332943.electric-motorcycle-destroyed-fire-sparked-battery/

Naquin, T. (2025, July 25). Fire at Ohio recycling facility sparked by cell phone battery. Fox8. https://fox8.com/news/9-fires-started-by-cell-phone-batteries-in-july-rumpke/

Pulse Tasmania. (2025, July 21). Fire extinguished on Virgin flight to Hobart after battery ignites mid-air. Pulse Tasmania. https://pulsetasmania.com.au/news/fire-extinguished-on-virgin-flight-to-hobart-after-battery-ignites-mid-air/

Sisneros, J. (2025, July 24). Electric bus battery catches fire in Long Beach Transit yard; official says it was an anomaly. Long Beach Post News. https://lbpost.com/news/electric-bus-battery-catches-fire-in-long-beach-transit-yard-officials-say-it-was-an-anomaly/

Waterfront Media Halifax. (2025, July 22). E-bike fire in Halifax evacuated residents. Waterfront Media Halifax. https://waterfrontmediahfx.the902hxir.ca/93102-2

Hubbert, A. (2025, July 22). Battery in waste compactor causes fire at Louth recycling centre. Lincolnshire World. https://www.lincolnshireworld.com/news/emergency-incident/battery-in-waste-compactor-causes-fire-at-louth-recycling-centre-5236742

LaCapria, K. (2025, July 26). California garbage truck goes up in flames after incorrect item was tossed in trash: 'We would like to remind everyone to properly dispose of [these]'. The Cool Down. https://www.thecooldown.com/green-home/garbage-truck-fire-batteries-california/

Sadler, C. (2025, July 20). Aveley house fire: Lithium battery from power tool caught alight and ripped through home on Sunday morning. The West Australian. https://thewest.com.au/news/disaster-and-emergency/aveley-house-fire-lithium-battery-from-power-tool-caught-alight-and-ripped-through-home-on-sunday-morning-c-19415994

Poon, P. (2025, July 24). Bangkok Airways flight lands safely after mid-air power bank fire: sources. The Standard. https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/307621/Bangkok-Airways-flight-lands-safely-after-mid-air-power-bank-fire-sources

Smith, R. (2025, July 20). 1 person displaced after structure fire on Petree Road, Winston-Salem Fire Department says. WXII12. https://www.wxii12.com/article/1-person-displaced-structure-fire-petree-road-winston-salem-fire-department/65457529

Wire. (2025, July 25). Bin lorry blaze caused by discarded batteries. West Bridgford Wire. https://westbridgfordwire.com/bin-lorry-blaze-caused-by-discarded-batteries/