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Mitigating the Threat of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: Recent Incidents, Lessons Learned, and Safety Best Practices

Writer's picture: Tim SpearsTim Spears
Dec 8, 202410 min read


As lithium-ion batteries continue to become a part of our everyday lives, powering everything from household electronics and tools to electric vehicles, it is important to remain aware of the risks that they pose. The versatile nature of these batteries creates unique hazards, including the risk of thermal runaway and the release of toxic gases. In recent years, increasing incidents in residential, commercial, healthcare, and waste management settings have underscored the critical need for effective risk reduction strategies.


This article compiles recent examples of lithium-ion battery fires, highlighting the importance of proper storage, disposal, certification, and emergency response strategies. These cases emphasize that understanding best practices, relevant standards, and evolving industry guidelines is essential for preventing and mitigating lithium-ion battery fires.


Recent Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents


Battery Fire at Manufacturing Facility in Carson City


Location: Carson City, Nevada, USA


Summary: On November 19, 2024, a fire involving a lithium-ion battery occurred at a manufacturing facility on Metric Way in Carson City. The Carson City Fire Department responded at 2:41 PM, with assistance from the Carson City Sheriff’s Office and neighboring fire departments. The fire, believed to involve a lithium-ion battery pack, was extinguished without spreading to surrounding structures. Crews remained on-site to monitor for potential thermal reignition and manage hazardous material runoff. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are still under investigation.



Thanksgiving Day Fire in Glen Cove Caused by Hoverboard


Location: Glen Cove, New York, USA


Summary: On Thanksgiving Day, a fire in Glen Cove was caused by a hoverboard charging in a bedroom. The homeowner attempted to unplug the device and remove it from the house, sustaining minor burns in the process. Working smoke alarms alerted the occupants, providing time for evacuation and preventing further injuries. Investigators determined the hoverboard was not a name-brand model, prompting Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro to emphasize the importance of purchasing UL-certified lithium-ion devices. This incident highlights the risks of using unregulated battery-powered products and the critical role of fire safety features in mitigating damage.



Electric Vehicle Fire Sparks Hazmat Situation in Cathedral City


Location: Cathedral City, California, USA


Summary: On November 25, 2024, an electric vehicle fire at a shopping center in Cathedral City resulted in a hazardous materials (hazmat) situation. The fire ignited in the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery shortly after it was disconnected from a charging station. Firefighters battled the fire for over an hour and a half, using continuous water flow to prevent reignition. Local businesses were evacuated due to toxic fumes, and a hazmat perimeter was established to protect public safety. No injuries were reported, and county health officials were called to evaluate the situation. This incident underscores the complexities of managing lithium-ion battery fires in electric vehicles and the importance of specialized response strategies.



FDNY Shuts Down Hazardous E-Bike Repair Shop


Location: Brooklyn, New York, USA


Summary: On November 27, 2024, FDNY firefighters responded to a lithium-ion battery fire outside an e-bike repair shop in a three-story mixed-occupancy building in Brooklyn. The fire started when someone from the shop threw a smoldering battery onto the sidewalk. Upon inspection, the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention found the shop cluttered with loose batteries, missing cases, and exposed lithium-ion cells, posing a significant hazard. The fire escape was obstructed by storage, endangering residents in the apartments above. As a result, a full vacate order was issued due to inadequate secondary egress and unsafe storage of lithium-ion batteries. This incident highlights the critical risks associated with improper handling of lithium-ion batteries and the importance of fire code compliance.



Fire in Steve Biko Academic Hospital ICU Caused by Lithium-Ion Backup System


Location: Tshwane, South Africa


Summary: On November 23, 2024, a fire broke out in the ICU of Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Tshwane. The fire, originating in the lithium-ion battery backup system on the seventh floor, caused smoke to engulf the floor below, where 21 ICU patients were located. Hospital staff initiated an evacuation before firefighters from three stations arrived to assist. Firefighters used mechanical ventilation units to clear the smoke, while an electrician isolated the battery system to prevent further damage. No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished after approximately four hours. The incident underscores the challenges of managing lithium-ion battery systems in critical infrastructure.



Increase in Battery Fires at Iowa City Landfill


Location: Iowa City, Iowa, USA


Summary: In 2024, the Iowa City landfill reported five lithium-ion battery fires, a rise from zero in the previous year. Crushed batteries triggered thermal runaway events. Collaborative efforts with organizations like Call2Recycle aimed to improve recycling strategies, emphasizing proper disposal to prevent fires in waste management facilities.



Lawn Mower Battery Sparks Garage Fire in Ann Arbor


Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA


Summary: On November 18, 2024, a lithium-ion battery powering a lawn mower ignited a fire in a home’s garage. Quick extinguishment and safety tips from fire officials, such as inspecting batteries and avoiding unattended charging, helped prevent further damage.



Toy Car Battery Destroys NSW Family’s Home


Location: Cessnock, New South Wales, Australia


Summary: On November 17, 2024, a devastating fire destroyed a family’s home in Cessnock, NSW, after a lithium-ion battery in a remote-control car ignited while charging in the garage. The fire started while the family was away and quickly engulfed the house, causing the roof to collapse. Police confirmed the battery as the cause. The incident underscores the risks of leaving lithium-powered devices unattended while charging. The family hopes their experience raises awareness about battery safety. Authorities emphasized using reputable brands and avoiding overcharging or leaving devices charging in flammable areas.



Bike Shop Fire in Orleans Attributed to Lithium-Ion Batteries


Location: Orleans, Massachusetts, USA


Summary: On October 29, 2024, a fire at Idle Times Bike Shop in Orleans, MA, gutted the business and caused significant smoke damage to nearby establishments. The fire, attributed to lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes, spread rapidly. Firefighters from multiple departments extinguished the blaze within minutes, but the damage rendered the bike shop inoperable. Officials warned of the dangers associated with lithium batteries, even those certified by safety organizations, and advised consumers to store and charge these devices cautiously.



Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Destroys Unit in Camperdown Complex


Location: Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia


Summary: On November 18, 2024, a fire caused by a charging lithium-ion battery destroyed a unit in a multi-story complex in Camperdown. Fire and Rescue NSW responded to an automatic alarm at the building around 2:40 AM, finding thick black smoke and flames on the second floor. Approximately 40 firefighters and 10 trucks extinguished the fire, evacuating over 50 residents. One person was treated for smoke inhalation but did not require hospitalization. The battery, likely from a power tool, ignited while charging on a sofa. The incident highlights the risks of improper charging practices and the importance of smoke alarms and fire safety measures.



Electric Scooter Showroom Fire in Bengaluru Claims One Life


Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India


Summary: On November 19, 2024, a fire broke out at an electric scooter showroom in Bengaluru, killing a 20-year-old sales executive and destroying over 45 scooters. The fire, likely caused by a short circuit in a scooter battery, spread rapidly. Five staff members managed to escape, but one was trapped and fatally injured. Emergency responders controlled the fire, evacuated the area, and secured the site. This tragic incident underscores the critical need for proper battery storage, and safety protocols in electric vehicle showrooms.



Fatal Fire in Chai Wan Apartment Caused by Phone Charger


Location: Chai Wan, Hong Kong


Summary: On November 24, 2024, a fire in a Chai Wan apartment caused by a short-circuited phone charger claimed the life of a 65-year-old man and left his 31-year-old daughter hospitalized from smoke inhalation. The fire started around 11:38 AM in a flat at New Jade Garden. Emergency responders found the man collapsed in the bathroom, and his daughter unconscious in a bedroom. Several residents evacuated as firefighters extinguished the fire. This incident highlights the risks associated with unattended electronic devices and emphasizes the importance of fire safety awareness.



Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Contained in New Bedford Residence


Location: New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA


Summary: On November 29, 2024, the New Bedford Fire Department responded to a lithium-ion battery fire at a residence on Moss Street. The resident placed the smoldering battery outside before firefighters arrived, reducing the risk of further damage. Crews ventilated the home and safely secured the battery using a specialized containment process. No injuries were reported, and the battery was transported to a designated lithium-ion battery quarantine container. This incident highlights the importance of proper handling and disposal of malfunctioning lithium-ion batteries.



Lithium-Ion Battery Causes Backyard Shed Fire in East Meadow


Location: East Meadow, New York, USA


Summary: On November 19, 2024, a fire broke out in a shed at a home on Erma Drive in East Meadow. The fire, caused by a lithium-ion battery, led to the explosion of several propane barbecue tanks, heightening the danger. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames within 30 minutes, preventing further damage. No injuries were reported. The incident underscores the risks of storing lithium-ion batteries near flammable materials and emphasizes the need for proper battery safety practices.



Quick Thinking Prevents Major Battery Fire in Narrabeen Unit


Location: Narrabeen, New South Wales, Australia


Summary: On November 22, 2024, a resident in Narrabeen averted a significant fire when a lithium-ion battery for a handheld power washer began emitting smoke and hissing sounds. The resident promptly moved the battery outside onto a hard surface, minimizing damage. Firefighters submerged the battery in water and ventilated the smoke-filled unit. The incident highlights the importance of monitoring batteries during charging and charging them on non-flammable surfaces. No injuries or significant property damage were reported.



Battery-Powered Screwdriver Fire Displaces Family in Harwood


Location: Harwood, North Dakota, USA


Summary: A lithium-ion screwdriver battery ignited a bedroom fire on November 25, 2024. The homeowner’s quick response in closing the door prevented fire spread, but the family was displaced. The case highlights the ongoing risks associated with everyday battery-powered tools.



Vacuum Cleaner Lithium Battery Explosion Destroys Surrey Garage


Location: Thames Ditton, Surrey, UK


Summary: On November 18, 2024, a lithium-ion battery in a handheld vacuum cleaner exploded in the garage of a home in Surrey, causing extensive damage. The homeowner’s daughter, who was home alone, called emergency services after hearing an explosion. Firefighters contained the fire, but the damage left the garage and connected equipment completely destroyed. The incident underscores the volatility of aging or damaged batteries and the importance of periodic checks.



Lithium Battery Sparks Waste Facility Fire in Southwark


Location: Southwark, London, UK


Summary: On November 18, 2024, a fire at a waste recycling plant in Southwark, London, was caused by a failed lithium-ion battery. Approximately 40 firefighters and six fire engines responded to the fire, which involved 300 tons of waste in a single-story tipping hall. Around 100 individuals evacuated the site safely, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters collaborated with site staff, using shovel loaders to access deep-seated fires within the waste. The London Fire Brigade emphasized proper disposal of lithium-ion batteries to prevent similar incidents, highlighting the increasing frequency of such fires at waste facilities.



Understanding the Hazards and Best Practices


Lithium-ion batteries store significant amounts of energy in compact forms. When damaged, improperly stored, overcharged, or subjected to external heat, they can enter a state of “thermal runaway,” releasing flammable gases and potentially leading to explosive fires that are difficult to extinguish. Many of the above incidents share common contributing factors:


  • Unattended charging of devices

  • Use of non-certified or counterfeit batteries

  • Improper disposal in landfills and recycling facilities

  • Aging batteries and devices stored near flammable materials


Reinforcing Lithium-Ion Battery Safety


These incidents collectively demonstrate a pressing need for increased awareness, adherence to industry standards, and proactive community risk reduction measures.


Strategies include:


  • Educating the public on safe charging practices and the importance of purchasing certified products.

  • Enhancing recycling programs to handle end-of-life batteries responsibly, preventing fires in waste management facilities.

  • Encouraging ongoing training for fire and building safety professionals to ensure they are equipped with the latest response and mitigation techniques.


As lithium-ion batteries become more commonplace, so do the challenges in managing their associated risks. By learning from recent incidents, consulting best practice guidelines, and promoting community-level education, we can reduce the frequency and severity of these fires.


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