Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents: November 2025

The use of lithium-ion batteries are widespread, from e-bikes and tools to phones, power banks, and even mobility devices. Most days they work exactly as intended. But when they fail, they can create serious issues.

I’ve pulled together a new slide show highlighting real incidents from November 2025 to help show the connection between technology, everyday use, and fire risk.

Here are a few examples you’ll see in the slide show:

✅ Lima, Ohio (USA): A home was declared a total loss after a charging e-bike battery ignited in the early morning hours.

🔗 https://www.hometownstations.com/news/allen_county/charging-e-bike-suspected-cause-in-early-morning-lima-house-fire/article_3da1a32e-875b-4d2e-b37f-3d3b4f70a555.html

✅ Warriewood, NSW (Australia): An e-bike battery fire in a garage spread through a brick home; the family escaped, but their dog later died from smoke inhalation.

🔗 https://www.northernbeachesadvocate.com.au/2025/11/18/dog-dies-in-warriewood-house-fire/

✅ Mid-flight, Hong Kong → Singapore: A power bank overheated in the cabin of a Scoot flight; crew isolated and extinguished it before anyone was hurt.

🔗 https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/traffic/fire-breaks-out-on-scoot-flight-after-passenger-s-power-bank-overheats-4985352.html

✅ Vermillion, South Dakota (USA): Three landfill fires in three weeks were traced to batteries tossed in the trash instead of recycled.

🔗 https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/11/20/landfill-fires-caused-by-lithium-ion-batteries-city-vermillion-says/

✅ Indore, India: A modified e-rickshaw battery exploded, critically injuring all three occupants and resulting in a fatality.

🔗 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/woman-injured-in-e-rickshaw-battery-explosion-dies-driver-booked/articleshow/125679821.cms

Swipe through the carousel to see the incident snapshots and the “Lessons Learned” slide at the end. If you find it useful, consider sharing to help move the conversation on lithium-ion safety forward.

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

You can download it here:

lithium_battery_fire_incidents (11).xlsx

Download XLSX • 60KB

🔍 Lessons Learned from November's Reported Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

Reviewing incidents helps us understand how lithium-ion battery failures occur in everyday settings, from homes and vehicles to workplaces and waste facilities. These cases offer practical lessons for preventing similar events.

Charging Practices Matter

Several of the incidents involved batteries that were actively charging when ignition occurred, including e-bikes, scooters, power tools, mobility devices, and chargers on countertops or workbenches. Fires often developed quickly, sometimes blocking escape routes or damaging structures.

Takeaway: Encourage safe charging habits, use manufacturer-approved chargers, avoid overnight charging, and keep charging out of living spaces and egress routes.

Modified or Damaged Batteries Are High-Risk

Several fires involved rebuilt, used, or modified batteries, including homemade battery packs, altered batteries, and e-rickshaw systems with unauthorized add-ons.

Takeaway: Discourage the use of rebuilt or modified battery systems; emphasize inspection, replacement, and regulatory compliance.

Indoor Storage and Placement Influence Outcomes

Fires in bedrooms, hallways, garages, carports, and apartments often spread and compromise escape routes. Storing or charging devices near sleeping areas or combustible materials increase the potential for damage and life-safety hazards.

Takeaway: Promote safe storage and keep lithium-ion devices away from sleeping areas, exit paths, and combustible materials; store them in cool, well-ventilated locations.

Waste Stream Fires Are Increasing

Multiple events involved batteries discarded in trash or recycling, leading to fires in garbage trucks, landfills, and transfer stations. Improper disposal continues to strain infrastructure and endanger workers.

Takeaway: Expand public education on proper battery disposal and promote accessible recycling options.

Detection and Suppression Systems Save Lives

Sprinklers, smoke alarms, and early detection played key roles in reducing harm, alerting residents in Drakelow, containing a fire in a Moscow apartment, and limiting spread in schools and multifamily housing. Civilian actions also occasionally made a difference but carried personal risk.

Takeaway: Reinforce the value of working alarms, sprinklers, and regular inspections, and encourage residents to call 911.

References

Baker, B. (2025, December 1). Fire at Miller Elementary caused by lithium battery. MyCentralOregon.com.https://www.mycentraloregon.com/2025/12/01/fire-at-miller-elementary-caused-by-lithium-battery/

BBC News. (2025, November 26). Family escaped through window as e-bike caused Drakelow fire.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y2grrgdplo

BBC News. (2025, November 27). E-scooter battery sparks Corby house blaze.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2pykr02r2o

BBC News. (2025, November 19). Warning after modified bike battery catches fire in Stapleford.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj3zkl3pj5mo

Cardoso, A. (2025, November 7). House fire in Lenoir County sparks safety alert over lithium-ion battery risks. WCTI 12.https://wcti12.com/news/local/house-fire-in-lenoir-county-sparks-safety-alert-over-lithium-ion-battery-risks

Canyon News. (2025, November 11). LAFD battle electrical issue in Beverly Grove. Canyon News.https://www.canyon-news.com/lafd-battle-electrical-issue-in-beverly-grove/

Cohen, D. (2025, November 18). Dog dies in Warriewood house fire. Northern Beaches Advocate.https://www.northernbeachesadvocate.com.au/2025/11/18/dog-dies-in-warriewood-house-fire/

Cohen, D. (2025, November 27). E-bike fire threatens home. Northern Beaches Advocate.https://www.northernbeachesadvocate.com.au/2025/11/27/e-bike-fire-threatens-home/

Cummins, T. (2025, November 21). Charging e-bike suspected cause in early morning Lima house fire. Hometown Stations.https://www.hometownstations.com/news/allen_county/charging-e-bike-suspected-cause-in-early-morning-lima-house-fire/article_3da1a32e-875b-4d2e-b37f-3d3b4f70a555.html

DailyFly Staff. (2025, November 26). Lithium battery malfunction sparks apartment fire on Main Street in Moscow. DailyFly.https://www.dailyfly.com/2025/11/25/lithium-battery-malfunction-sparks-apartment-fire-on-main-street-in-moscow/

Daily Mail. (2025, November 6). Qantas business class lounge in chaos as passenger catches fire when carry-on item explodes in his pocket.https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15264759/Qantas-business-class-lounge-fire-Melbourne.html

Dakota News Now Staff. (2025, November 20). Landfill fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, City of Vermillion says.https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/11/20/landfill-fires-caused-by-lithium-ion-batteries-city-vermillion-says/

Dehn, B. (2025, November 12). Small fire breaks out at C.W. Baker High School, caused by lithium-ion battery. CNY Central.https://cnycentral.com/news/local/small-fire-breaks-out-at-cw-baker-high-school-caused-by-lithium-ion-battery-safety-technology-power-tools-education-first-responder-damage

Eastern Daily Press. (2025, November 20). Battery-powered radiator causes house fire in Hunstanton.https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/25636330.battery-powered-radiator-causes-house-fire-hunstanton/

Fieldhouse, B. (2025, November 24). Fire destroys Waikiki granny flat. 97.3 Coast FM.https://www.coastlive.com.au/news/local-news/fire-destroys-waikiki-granny-flat/

Goot, M. (2025, November 26). Sheriff: Montgomery County Jail inmate caused fire by smashing an electronic device. WNYT NewsChannel 13.https://wnyt.com/top-stories/sheriff-montgomery-county-jail-inmate-caused-fire-by-smashing-an-electronic-device/

Grunlund, M., & McLawrence, S. (2025, November 5). E-bike battery fire extinguished by FDNY in Sunnyside on Staten Island. SILive.com.https://www.silive.com/crime-safety/2025/11/e-bike-battery-fire-extinguished-by-fdny-in-sunnyside-on-staten-island.html

Guzman, V. (2025, November 25). Lithium-ion battery sparks fire at Taco Bell in Scotts Valley, firefighters say. KSBW.https://www.ksbw.com/article/lithium-ion-battery-sparks-fire-at-taco-bell-in-scotts-valley-firefighters-say/69547111

Herron, P. (2025, November 29). Lithium battery in thermal runaway causes trash fire. The MoCo Show.https://mocoshow.com/2025/11/29/lithium-battery-in-thermal-runaway-causes-trash-fire/

Israel National News. (2025, December 1). Four trapped residents rescued from burning apartment in Sderot.https://www.israelnationalnews.com/flashes/671042

Kare 11 News. Keyport, J. (2025, November 30). Downtown St. Paul apartment fire displaces residents.https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/st-paul-apartment-fire-displaces-residents/89-fe800400-8215-4f28-a0b9-5ad7ed3c7b34

Korycki, L. (2025, November 25). National Retail Association launches free resources to guide safe battery disposal. Waste Management Review.https://wastemanagementreview.com.au/national-retail-association-launches-free-resources-to-guide-safe-battery-disposal/

London Fire Brigade. (2025, November). New recruit helps rescue family from ferocious e-bike fire.https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/news/2025-news/november/new-recruit-helps-rescue-family-from-ferocious-e-bike-fire/

Lofton, J. (2025, November 19). More than a dozen people displaced by fire at historic lodge in Northern Michigan. MLive.https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/11/more-than-a-dozen-people-displaced-by-fire-at-historic-lodge-in-northern-michigan.html

Loudoun Now. Lewis, P. (2025, November 15). Charging battery ignited $1.2M Lansdowne house fire.https://www.loudounnow.com/news/update-charging-battery-ignited-1-2m-lansdowne-house-fire/article_d4b4989a-e670-4051-ad8d-d0fd94569ee0.html

MyNewsLA. (2025, November 18). Lithium-ion battery catches fire at Mid-City car service station.https://mynewsla.com/fire/2025/11/18/lithium-ion-battery-catches-fire-at-mid-city-auto-service-station/

Nevada County. (2025). WM and Nevada County encourage proper battery recycling.https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx

Now Habersham. Angell, K. (2025, November 18). Local hero averts disaster: Demorest man saves neighbor’s home from fire.https://nowhabersham.com/local-hero-averts-disaster-demorest-man-saves-neighbors-home-from-fire/

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service. (2025, November 9). Incident Summary – Day shift, Sunday 9th November.https://www.northyorksfire.gov.uk/incident/2025-11-09-incident-summary-day-shift-sunday-9th-november/

Northern Beaches Advocate. (2025, November 27). E-bike fire threatens home.https://www.northernbeachesadvocate.com.au/2025/11/27/e-bike-fire-threatens-home/

Pisano, C., & Gardyna, M. (2025, November 19). First responders extinguish garage fire. Western Mass News.https://www.westernmassnews.com/2025/11/19/first-responders-extinguish-garage-fire/

Richmondshire Today. Willis, J. (2025, November 10). Firefighters called to deal with lithium battery concern in Gayle.https://www.richmondshiretoday.co.uk/firefighters-called-to-deal-with-lithium-battery-concern-in-gayle/

Schmidt, H., & Baker, J. (2025, November 30). Lithium-ion battery sparks fire at The Bridges in Cambridge. CTV News.https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/fire-from-lithium-ion-battery-forces-evacuation-at-cambridge-shelter/

Sexton, M. (2025, November 20). ‘Garage blew up’: Family safely escapes Little River house fire. WMBF News.https://www.wmbfnews.com/2025/11/20/garage-blew-up-family-safely-escapes-little-river-house-fire

Smith, K. (2025, November 20). Second battery charger fire prompts Santa Rita Fire Department response. Green Valley News / MyHeraldReview.https://www.myheraldreview.com/second-battery-charger-fire-prompts-santa-rita-fire-department-response/article_4ad1c2b6-36ca-46f0-96cb-0fde0674a66b.html

Somerset Leveller. (2025). Man treated for smoke inhalation after battery fire in Bridgwater.https://somersetleveller.co.uk/news/man-treated-for-smoke-inhalation-after-battery-fire-in-bridgwater/

Straits Times. (2025). Fire occurs at South Korean high school, possibly caused by power bank.https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/fire-occurs-at-south-korean-high-school-possibly-caused-by-power-bank

Tri-State Alert. (2025, November 24). Lithium battery starts garage fire in Hancock.https://tristatealert.com/lithium-battery-starts-garage-fire-in-hancock/

Valdosta Daily Times. Wilson, B. (2025, November 24). One injured in fire after e-bike battery overheats.https://valdostadailytimes.com/2025/11/24/one-injured-in-fire-after-e-bike-battery-overheats/

VnExpress International. Vu, H. (2025, November 23). Fire breaks out on Scoot flight after passenger’s power bank overheats.https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/traffic/fire-breaks-out-on-scoot-flight-after-passenger-s-power-bank-overheats-4985352.html

Waste Management Review. Korycki, L. (2025, November 25). National Retail Association launches free resources to guide safe battery disposal.https://wastemanagementreview.com.au/national-retail-association-launches-free-resources-to-guide-safe-battery-disposal/

Western Mass News. (2025). First responders extinguish garage fire.https://www.westernmassnews.com/2025/11/19/first-responders-extinguish-garage-fire/

WMBF News. (2025). ‘Garage blew up’: Family safely escapes Little River house fire.https://www.wmbfnews.com/2025/11/20/garage-blew-up-family-safely-escapes-little-river-house-fire/

WNYT NewsChannel 13. (2025, November 26). Sheriff: Montgomery County Jail inmate caused fire by smashing an electronic device.https://wnyt.com/top-stories/sheriff-montgomery-county-jail-inmate-caused-fire-by-smashing-an-electronic-device/

WWNY 7 News. (2025, November 26). One person injured after fire with multiple lithium-ion batteries.https://www.wwnytv.com/2025/11/26/one-person-injured-after-fire-with-multiple-lithium-ion-batteries/

Yahoo! News / Fox4 Kansas City. Mueller, A. (2025, November 10). 5 people sent to hospital after house fire in Belton Sunday night.https://yahoo.com/news/articles/5-people-sent-h