Lithium-Ion Fires Reported Across US, Straining Services

Lithium-ion battery fires are a growing safety concern because damaged, defective or improperly charged batteries can undergo thermal runaway, producing intense heat and toxic, flammable gases that are difficult to extinguish. Recent incidents include a motorcycle fire in a New Smyrna Beach storage unit, which spread smoke to a neighboring unit but caused no injuries, and a mobile-home fire near Hagerstown that was preliminarily attributed to a lithium battery and displaced one resident. The National Park Service has also warned visitors after battery devices overheated, smoked or exploded at several parks. Safety guidance includes using manufacturer-approved chargers, stopping use of damaged or overheating batteries, charging on hard surfaces, and charging e-bikes and scooters outdoors.