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Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: September 14 - 30

  • Writer: Tim Spears
    Tim Spears
  • Oct 5
  • 5 min read
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Lithium-ion batteries power so much of our daily life, from e-bikes and phones to electric vehicles and energy storage, but when something goes wrong, the results can be devastating.


Over just a few weeks, we have seen multiple lithium-ion battery fires across homes, businesses, and transportation systems. To help visualize these trends, I’ve pulled together a photo carousel summarizing recent incidents from around the world and the lessons they offer for prevention and preparedness.


Here are a few highlights:


✅ London, UK: A terrace home in Downham was damaged when a lithium battery failed overnight.


✅ Tualatin, OR: A two-alarm commercial fire traced back to stored batteries inside a warehouse.


✅ Tokyo, Japan: Six residents were hospitalized after a “mobile battery” ignited in an apartment.


✅ The Hague, Netherlands: An e-bike battery fire destroyed one home and damaged seven others.


✅ Los Angeles, CA: A woman was hospitalized after escaping a high-rise e-bike fire through a window.


Across these incidents, a few key patterns continue: charging and storage practices matter, damaged or off-brand batteries and chargers increase risk, and proper disposal remains a major challenge in recycling and waste management.


Swipe through the slideshow to see the full roundup of recent cases and practical takeaways for fire prevention professionals, code officials, and anyone working with lithium-powered systems.




I’ve created the spreadsheet with all reviewed incidents, including the title, link, publication date, and description.


You can download it here:




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


The recent series of lithium-ion battery fires across homes, businesses, and vehicles underscores recurring challenges in how these batteries are stored, charged, and managed at end of life.


Charging Practices Remain a Major Risk


Many fires began during charging, whether it was an e-scooter in a kitchen, an e-bike in a garage, or a phone battery pack plugged in overnight. Charging in confined or combustible areas continues to be a risk.


Takeaway: Always charge lithium-ion batteries on non-combustible surfaces, away from exits, and never leave them unattended or charging overnight.


Aftermarket and Damaged Batteries Increase Fire Potential


Several investigations linked fires to replacement or off-brand chargers and batteries. Damaged or swelling batteries were also identified as ignition sources.


Takeaway: Use only manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers, and immediately remove damaged, swollen, or water-exposed batteries from service.


Multifamily and Residential Settings Face Heightened Impact


From London to Los Angeles, apartment and multifamily dwellings saw significant property damage and injuries when small battery fires spread quickly through shared spaces. Working alarms and sprinklers often made the difference.


Takeaway: For property owners and managers, ensure detection and suppression systems are maintained and functional.


Recycling and Waste Streams Pose Hidden Dangers


Incidents in garbage trucks and recycling facilities highlight the ongoing problem of batteries being discarded with regular waste. Even small cells can ignite loads of recyclables or trash, endangering workers and equipment.


Takeaway: Educate residents and staff to never place batteries in recycling or trash bins and use designated drop-off or hazardous waste collection sites instead.


Energy Storage and EV Systems Demand Specialized Preparedness


Fires involving EVs and large-scale battery systems like Moss Landing or Boulder City require coordinated, long-duration response and post-incident monitoring.


Takeaway: Fire departments and facility operators should conduct joint pre-incident planning for battery energy storage systems and EV hazards, including isolation, ventilation, and cleanup procedures.


References


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