top of page
Writer's pictureTim Spears
Jun 86 min read

Weekly Report: The Rising Threat of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires and Their Impact on Community Risk Reduction



This week a series of alarming incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires have occurred globally. These events underscore the increasing risks associated with the widespread use of these batteries in everyday devices. From residential fires to large-scale commercial blazes, lithium-ion batteries have been identified as the culprits behind significant property damage and injuries. This blog post will delve into these incidents, explain the hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries, and emphasize the importance of building and fire safety as well as community risk reduction.


The Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries


Lithium-ion batteries are widespread in modern technology, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and e-bikes. While they are efficient and convenient, they pose significant fire risks due to their chemical composition and potential for thermal runaway. Thermal runaway is a chain reaction within the battery cell that generates excessive heat and can lead to fires or explosions.


Several factors can trigger thermal runaway, including overcharging, physical damage, manufacturing defects, and exposure to high temperatures. Once a lithium-ion battery ignites, it can be challenging to extinguish, often requiring specialized firefighting techniques and prolonged efforts to fully suppress the flames. This hazard necessitates a proactive approach to fire prevention and safety in communities.


Reported Incidents







Recent Incidents Involving Lithium-Ion Battery Fires


  • House Fire in Angle Vale (8 June 2024)

    • Summary: A house fire occurred at 3:45 am in Angle Vale, north of Adelaide, with approximately 20 CFS firefighters responding. The fire originated in a storage room at the rear of the single-story home. The occupants evacuated safely with their four dogs and managed to contain the fire by shutting the bedroom door. The fire was extinguished in less than an hour, with damages estimated at $40,000, though it could have been significantly higher. The fire is believed to have been caused by a lithium-ion battery that was charging and caught alight.

    • Link: House Fire in Angle Vale

  • One Person Taken to Hospital After New Brighton House Fire (6 June 2024)

  • Lakeville Fire Department Responds to Fire Started from a Laptop Battery (7 June 2024)

  • Wayne Hotel Fire Started by Lithium-Ion Batteries (6 June 2024)

  • Piccadilly Fire Caused by Lithium Battery (6 June 2024)

    • Summary: A house fire on Piccadilly Street in London caused by an overcharged lithium-ion battery resulted in damages exceeding $600,000. Fire officials reminded residents to stop charging batteries once they are fully charged to avoid such accidents.

    • Link: Piccadilly Fire Caused by Lithium Battery

  • Forest Avenue House Fire in Orillia Sparked by Lithium-Ion Phone Battery Charger (8 June 2024)

    • Summary: A fire at a house on Forest Avenue in Orillia was sparked by a lithium-ion phone battery charger. The fire department quickly responded to the incident, ensuring that there were no injuries. The fire caused substantial damage to the property, underscoring the potential dangers of charging devices unattended.

    • Link: Forest Avenue House Fire in Orillia Sparked by Lithium-Ion Phone Battery Charger

  • Baby and Child Among Five Taken to Hospital After E-Bike Battery Causes House Fire (5 June 2024)

    • Summary: A house fire in Shakespeare Crescent, Manor Park, northeast London, was caused by a failed e-bike battery. The London Fire Brigade responded to the incident shortly before 10 pm, rescuing two adults and a baby trapped in the back garden. A child and an adult had managed to escape the property before the firefighters arrived. All five individuals were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation treatment. The fire damaged part of the ground floor of the house, and the London Fire Brigade issued a warning about the dangers of e-bike and e-scooter batteries.

    • Link: Baby and Child Among Five Taken to Hospital After E-Bike Battery Causes House Fire

  • Bin Lorry Fire in Shanklin May Have Been Caused by Batteries (5 June 2024)

    • Summary: Firefighters tackled a bin lorry fire in Shanklin, believed to have been caused by the incorrect disposal of household batteries. The fire broke out just before 10 am, and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene. The fire caused an electrical malfunction on the vehicle, preventing the rear loader from being lowered. Engineers were called to address the malfunction while firefighters worked to extinguish the fire and remove the contents from the vehicle.

    • Link: Bin Lorry Fire in Shanklin May Have Been Caused by Batteries

  • Electric Bicycle Charger Malfunction Causes Apartment Fire, Displacing 25 People (5 June 2024)

    • Summary: An apartment fire in Franklin County was caused by a malfunctioning electric bicycle charger. The fire displaced 25 residents and prompted a response from the local fire department. The incident underscores the risks associated with charging electric bicycles and highlights the importance of using chargers as recommended by manufacturers. The fire department managed to control the fire, but the apartment building suffered significant damage.

    • Link: Electric Bicycle Charger Malfunction Causes Apartment Fire, Displacing 25 People

  • Powered Wheelchair Warehouse Left “Destroyed” by Devastating Fire in Harlow (4 June 2024)

    • Summary: A warehouse and showroom of MobilityPlus Wheelchairs in Harlow, Essex, was destroyed by a fire. The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service battled the fire until the early hours of Friday, 31st May, with eight crews working to prevent it from spreading to neighboring units. No injuries were reported. The fire is considered accidental, and while the exact cause is still under investigation, it is noted that products containing lithium battery technology have unique health and safety risks.

    • Link: Powered Wheelchair Warehouse Left “Destroyed” by Devastating Fire in Harlow

  • Karaoke Machine Causes Germantown Apartment Fire (6 June 2024)

    • Summary: A karaoke machine's lithium-ion battery caused an apartment fire in Germantown, Maryland. The fire displaced 25 residents and led to significant property damage. The Germantown Fire Department responded to the scene and quickly brought the fire under control. This incident highlights the fire risks associated with the improper use of lithium-ion batteries in everyday devices.

    • Link: Karaoke Machine Causes Germantown Apartment Fire

  • Levittown Home Damaged in Garage Fire (2 June 2024)

    • Summary: A Levittown home in Falls Township was significantly damaged by a garage fire believed to have been ignited by a lithium-ion battery near a workbench. Firefighters responded to the call around 5 p.m. The fire spread to an adjacent jeep in the driveway and the attached garage walls. The residents were home at the time and used fire extinguishers before firefighters arrived. One cat perished in the fire, and another received emergency treatment. The cause is under investigation, but a lithium-ion battery is suspected.

    • Link: Levittown Home Damaged in Garage Fire

  • Sunday Afternoon Blaze Destroys Reboro ‘Dream Home’ (3 June 2024)

    • Summary: A Reaboro family lost their home on Settlers Road in a fire caused by a lithium battery being charged in the attached garage. The Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service responded around 11:30 a.m., with crews from Lindsay, Ops, Omemee, and Emily. The fire caused approximately $900,000 in damages, including the loss of three older model vehicles and a dirt bike. The family is temporarily living with relatives, and the community has offered support.

    • Link: Sunday Afternoon Blaze Destroys Reboro ‘Dream Home’


Mitigating the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries


Given the hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, it is crucial for building and fire safety professionals to promote and implement effective risk reduction strategies. Here are some key measures to consider:

  • Proper Charging Practices: Always use the charger that came with the device or a manufacturer-approved alternative. Avoid overcharging devices and unplug them once fully charged.

  • Storage Safety: Store lithium-ion batteries in cool, dry places away from flammable materials. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures.

  • Regular Inspections: Routinely inspect devices and batteries for signs of damage or wear. Replace damaged batteries immediately.

  • Disposal Guidelines: Follow local regulations for the disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Do not dispose of them in regular household waste where they can pose a fire risk.

  • Public Education: Educate the community about the risks of lithium-ion batteries and the importance of safe usage and disposal practices.


The recent spate of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries highlights a growing concern that demands attention from fire safety professionals and the community at large. By understanding the risks and implementing proactive measures, we can significantly reduce the incidence of such fires and enhance community safety.


References

272 views0 comments

Comments

bottom of page