Lithium-ion battery fires
Lithium-ion batteries are powering more devices than ever. From personal electronics and mobility devices (e-bikes, scooters, wheelchairs) to energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles and manufacturing facilities, firefighters are responding to myriad incident types that require a new approach. These calls challenge our crews, in part due to their long duration. The FireRescue1 lithium-ion battery fire resource page includes news and subject-matter expert analysis of this emerging issue.
Areas of focus included preparing for wildfire and WUI events, managing lithium battery fires, and new approaches to firefighter health and wellness
A 19-year-old accused of using a Molotov cocktail to start a fire at a Kansas City Tesla dealership has been released to house arrest ahead of his federal trial
The January fires scorched more than 13,500 homes and garages, leaving behind damaged Lithium-ion batteries that posed an ongoing threat of toxic, hard-to-extinguish fires
Firefighters evacuated Portland State’s Engineering Building after multiple lithium-ion batteries exploded during a class project
ATF fire investigators and forensic teams analyzed key evidence and uncovered a matching DNA profile, tying the incidents together
The FDNY reports a 53% spike in fires caused by Lithium-ion batteries this year, urging New Yorkers to charge e-bikes and scooters outside as part of a new “Take It Outside” safety campaign
Security footage shows a masked suspect vandalizing a Tesla service center with the word “resist” before hurling Molotov cocktails and shooting at multiple vehicles
Firefighters love testing new tactics and tools, but some methods simply don’t address the key issue with EV fires
Authorities are investigating incendiary devices found at a Tesla dealership in Austin in the latest in a string of incidents targeting Elon Musk’s company
Attorney General Pam Bondi launches an investigation into Tesla-related crimes, vowing to uncover funding sources and hold those responsible accountable
Kansas City police are investigating a possible arson case after a fire damaged two Tesla Cybertrucks
A masked person used Molotov cocktails and shot at multiple Teslas leaving two vehicles in flames and the word “resist” spray-painted on the doors
A Baton Rouge Cybertruck owner donated $20,000 worth of EV fire blankets to local fire stations after learning they had only two to handle electric vehicle fires
EV fire blankets are a vital tool for firefighters, helping to contain electric vehicle fires, reduce toxic smoke and prevent fire spread, as recommended by NFPA and fire safety experts
Ventura firefighters were called after a driver accidentally put the Cybertruck in reverse, causing it to slide down the boat ramp
Seattle fire officials are investigating a fire that damaged four Tesla Cybertrucks, amid growing protests against Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration
Authorities believe speed was a factor when a Tesla crashed into a house in Woodridge, killing two people
The Camden shredding facility said the Li-ion battery was “undetectably concealed within scrap metal”
Highlighting the agency’s work, from the NERIS launch to international engagement
“This is a disaster,” Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church said when describing the fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant
FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker presented data from 2024 on fires related to lithium-ion batteries
The fire in an Onset hobby store quickly spread to two businesses and injured a firefighter
The FBI identified the driver as an active-duty U.S. Army soldier
The Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act is expected to be passed by Congress in the coming days
‘Ticking time bombs': FDNY responds to e-bike store fire, finds hundreds of damaged Li-ion batteries
Firefighters faced heavy fire on the first floor of the Manhattan e-bike store and found Li-ion batteries stored in the basement
Florida State Fire Marshall said Li-ion batteries soaked in saltwater can become “ticking time bombs”
The latest research promoting firefighter safety
The donation from H&H Chevrolet will help Newville firefighters keep electric vehicles shifting into drive
MOST POPULAR
- Burning truck carrying li-ion batteries shuts down Calif. interstate for over 40 hours
- 1 dead, 7 injured when Tesla Cybertruck explodes outside Las Vegas Trump hotel
- Calif. firefighters called to recover a submerged Tesla Cybertruck
- NYC begins $2M uncertified e-bike trade-in program
- Metro Chiefs 2025 recap: Hot topics, partnerships and the changing political landscape