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Writer's pictureTim Spears
Sep 288 min read

Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: News Reports from September 11th to the 21st

Updated: Oct 2



The evolution of lithium-ion batteries has revolutionized how we power our lives. From cell phones and laptops to electric vehicles and e-bikes, these batteries are at the heart of modern technology. However, as their usage becomes more widespread, so do the risks associated with them. The increasing frequency of lithium-ion battery fires underscores the need for heightened awareness and stringent safety measures within our communities.


This blog post continues our ongoing series on the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, highlighting recent incidents across the globe. These cases illustrate the potential dangers these batteries pose when not handled or stored correctly.


Recent Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents


Cell phone charging in Topsfield home explodes, sparks bedroom fire, official says


Location: Topsfield, Massachusetts, USA


Summary: A lithium-ion battery in a cell phone charging on a bed exploded, sparking a fire in a bedroom in a Topsfield home. The fire was reported at 5:35 p.m., prompting an evacuation of the home. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, which caused an estimated $5,000 in damage. One resident suffered a minor burn but declined hospital transport. The fire highlighted the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, particularly when charging on soft surfaces (Boston 25 News, 2024).


Link to original article: Boston 25 News


Chula Vista battery fire: crews respond to business on Main Street Friday


Location: Chula Vista, California, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in the Omega Industrial building in Chula Vista due to a lithium-ion marine boat battery that caught fire on the second floor. The fire was reported at 5:45 a.m., and employees inside the building heard a loud noise before discovering the fire. They evacuated the building and called for assistance. The fire was quickly extinguished by the Chula Vista Fire Department, and the building was ventilated. No injuries were reported (FOX 5/KUSI, 2024).


Link to original article: FOX 5/KUSI


Electric car fire breaks out at Carmel dealership


Location: Carmel, Indiana, USA


Summary: The Carmel Fire Department responded to a fire at a local car dealership's maintenance department, triggered by an electric vehicle’s lithium-ion battery. The fire set off the building's fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems. Firefighters found heavy smoke upon arrival and managed to extinguish the fire while the car was still on the lift. The car was then moved outside, where it reignited but was extinguished again. One firefighter sustained a minor injury (WTTV CBS4Indy, 2024).


Link to original article: WTTV CBS4Indy





Fire at commercial property - Acton


Location: Acton, London, UK


Summary: A fire broke out at a vehicle repair shop on Dukes Road in Acton, London, due to the failure of a lithium-ion battery. The incident occurred in the early hours of September 16, 2024, with the fire affecting a small part of an office space. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters responded to the scene, and the fire was under control within an hour. No injuries were reported (London Fire Brigade, 2024).


Link to original article: London Fire Brigade


Firefighters Battle Ann Arbor Garage Fire, Linked to Electric Lawn Mower Battery


Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA


Summary: A fire in Ann Arbor on September 18, 2024, originated in an attached garage and was linked to a lithium-ion battery charging an electric lawn mower. The fire, which occurred at a home west of Pontiac Trail, was quickly contained to the garage area. Firefighters successfully evacuated several animals from the home, and there were no injuries (Country Herald, 2024).


Link to original article: Country Herald





INCIDENT: Lithium Battery Fire Disrupts EasyJet Flight


Location: Heraklion, Crete, Greece


Summary: A lithium battery fire disrupted EasyJet flight U2-8216 on September 17, 2024, at Heraklion International Airport. The fire started in a handbag containing a power bank and an e-cigarette just before the flight’s departure to London Gatwick. The incident led to a small explosion, causing nearby passengers to move away. The aircraft, an Airbus A321neo, remained on the ground for several hours as passengers were transferred to another plane. No injuries were reported (Mentour Pilot, 2024).


Link to original article: Mentour Pilot


Jupiter family loses everything: E-bike battery explosion sparks catastrophic fire


Location: Jupiter, Florida, USA


Summary: A catastrophic fire engulfed a Jupiter family's home after the lithium-ion battery of an e-bike exploded while charging near where the family was sleeping. The explosion occurred just after midnight, quickly spreading flames throughout the home. The family's home and all their belongings were destroyed within minutes. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, though the fire burned one child's eyelashes and hair slightly (CBS12, 2024).


Link to original article: CBS12


Lithium Battery Truck Crash Causes Highway Closure in Nevada


Location: Nye County, Nevada, USA


Summary: A truck carrying 31,000 pounds of lithium batteries caught fire following a crash on U.S. Highway 95 in Nye County, Nevada. The crash, which involved another truck transporting wood, led to a significant fire, resulting in the temporary closure of the highway. Both truck drivers sustained minor injuries (Nevada Globe, 2024).


Link to original article: Nevada Globe


No one hurt after e-bike catches fire, explodes outside east Toronto supermarket


Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada


Summary: An e-bike caught fire and exploded outside a supermarket in East York, Toronto, on September 16, 2024. The incident occurred on Pape Avenue, where the e-bike's lithium-ion battery possibly caused a small explosion. Toronto Fire Services quickly extinguished the fire, and no injuries were reported (CP24, 2024).Link to original article: CP24


Officials urge battery safety after fire on Cornell campus


Location: Ithaca, New York, USA


Summary: A lithium-ion battery in a portable charger caused a fire in a dormitory room at Cornell University's Risley Hall on September 7, 2024. The fire, which began on a desk, was quickly extinguished by a resident using a dry chemical extinguisher before it could spread. Following the incident, Cornell's Office of Emergency Management issued safety reminders, including avoiding the use of third-party chargers and not charging devices on beds or couches (Fingerlakes1.com, 2024).


Link to original article: Fingerlakes1.com


Officials: Miami Beach condo fire tied to scooter lithium battery


Location: Miami Beach, Florida, USA


Summary: A fire erupted in a fourth-floor apartment at the Imperial House condominium building in Miami Beach early on the morning of September 18, 2024. The fire was traced to an electric scooter's lithium-ion battery that was charging in a spare bedroom. The Miami Beach Fire Department swiftly contained the blaze, and although the apartment sustained significant damage, no injuries were reported (CBS Miami, 2024).


Link to original article: CBS Miami


PHOTOS: 11 displaced after lithium batteries cause two separate fires in Portland


Location: Portland, Oregon, USA


Summary: Two separate fires caused by lithium-ion batteries displaced 11 residents in Portland on September 12, 2024. The first fire occurred early in the morning at a home in Southwest Portland, and the second fire broke out just before midnight in an apartment complex in Southeast Portland. Both fires resulted from thermal runaway incidents in the batteries, which caused them to overheat and ignite (KOIN, 2024).


Link to original article: KOIN


Steamboat Springs firefighters discover source of ‘explosion’ reported Wednesday night


Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA


Summary: On a Wednesday night, firefighters in Steamboat Springs responded to reports of an "explosion" at the Walton Village Condominium Complex. The cause of the incident was found to be an e-bike's lithium-ion battery, which had caught fire. Neighbors were able to extinguish the flames with water before firefighters arrived. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage occurred apart from the e-bike itself (Steamboat Today, 2024).


Link to original article: Steamboat Today


Family lose everything in house fire sparked by charging iPad


Location: Jarrahdale, Western Australia, Australia


Summary: A devastating fire in Jarrahdale, Western Australia, destroyed a family's home after an iPad left charging on a bedside table overheated and ignited a fire. The fire quickly spread throughout the house, resulting in the loss of all the family's possessions, including their child's toys. Emergency services were called to the scene, but the family could only watch as their home was consumed by flames (9News Australia, 2024).


Link to original article: 9News Australia


The Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries


Lithium-ion batteries, while powering many of our essential devices, come with inherent risks that can result in devastating consequences if not handled correctly. As highlighted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), these batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space, making them particularly dangerous when damaged, improperly used, or exposed to extreme conditions (NFPA, 2022a; 2022b).


The primary danger associated with lithium-ion batteries is thermal runaway—a process where a battery's internal temperature increases rapidly, leading to a fire or explosion. This can occur due to overcharging, physical damage, exposure to high or low temperatures, or manufacturing defects. The incidents detailed above illustrate the various ways in which these batteries can fail and the catastrophic outcomes that can follow (Underwriters Laboratories, 2023).


Safety Recommendations


In light of these incidents, it is crucial for individuals and professionals to take proactive steps to mitigate the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. The following safety recommendations are derived from expert guidelines provided by the NFPA and other safety organizations:

  • Purchase Certified Products: Always opt for lithium-ion battery-powered devices that are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, ensuring they meet critical safety standards (NFPA, 2022b).

  • Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s guidelines for charging and using the devices. Only use the battery and charger designed for your specific device (NFPA, 2022b).

  • Monitor Charging: Never leave devices charging unattended, especially overnight or on soft surfaces like beds or couches. Charge devices in a flat, dry area away from flammable materials (NFPA, 2022b).

  • Be Aware of Warning Signs: Watch for signs of battery failure, such as unusual odors, excessive heat, changes in shape, or leaking. If these signs appear, stop using the device immediately and move it to a safe location (Underwriters Laboratories, 2023).

  • Proper Disposal: Recycle old or damaged batteries at designated recycling centers. Do not dispose of them in regular trash bins, as this can pose a significant fire hazard (NFPA, 2022b).


As we continue to integrate lithium-ion battery-powered devices into our daily lives, the importance of understanding and mitigating their risks cannot be overstated. The incidents described in this post are a reminder of the potential dangers and the critical need for vigilance and safety in our use of these powerful energy sources. By following recommended safety practices, we can reduce the risk of fires and protect our communities from the devastating effects of lithium-ion battery failures.


References


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Safety Information


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