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.
The CPSE Center for Innovation’s newest Strategic Scan found that 68% of surveyed chiefs expect data centers to change fire department planning
The two-month crackdown uncovered uncertified batteries and illegally fast e-bikes across more than 200 shops, coming as lithium-ion battery fires have killed multiple New Yorkers this year
More than 200 first responders battled the two-story row home blaze for about three hours, with four victims dying at the scene and two more pronounced dead at the hospital, as fire marshals investigate a lithium-ion battery found at the scene
Officials confirmed thermal runaway from batteries stored in plastic toolboxes on a third-floor porch sparked the May Dorchester fire that killed 24-year veteran Robert “Bobby” Kilduff Jr.
Salvatore Cassano is urging Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature to keep driverless cars off New York streets, citing warnings about autonomous vehicles interfering with police and firefighters at emergency scenes nationwide
The lithium-ion battery fire blocked the family’s exit, killing an 11-year-old boy and critically injuring his father, father’s girlfriend and two brothers, as FDNY firefighters crawled past flames to complete rescues
The lithium-ion battery fire on I-880 in Hayward could keep southbound lanes closed for up to 18 hours due to hazardous chemical smoke concerns
An Overhaul Inventory Card can serve as a reminder to check for Li-ion battery-powered devices in a residential structure during overhaul
From chemical make-up to cell construction, not all lithium-ion batteries are the same
Sasa Acosta suffered burns on 46% of his body after a lithium-ion battery explosion killed his longtime hairdresser and a fellow customer at La Roka Barbershop
La Verne firefighters spent more than three days managing thermal runaway at a battery storage facility as evacuations remained in place over concerns about potentially toxic gases
Deputy Chief Vince Bettinazzi explains how EV weight, battery placement and limited lifting points can complicate operations
A Queens man died after escaping a basement apartment fire sparked by a charging e-bike battery
Captain Jim Barnhart explains why alternative energy systems are changing the fireground faster than many departments can adapt — and how to close the gap
Crews were ordered out of the facility after flames reached an ammonia line, causing the chemical to begin off-gassing
“Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower” focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires
Firefighters believe the Waipahu condominium fire may have involved a lithium-ion battery
Investigators say an e-scooter battery charged with a third-party charger likely sparked the fire that killed a lieutenant
Cleveland firefighters and a medical helicopter responded to Amaero Advanced Materials after an industrial explosion
A fast-moving fire tore through a tow yard in Cahokia Heights, engulfing at least 50 vehicles after an employee said it appeared to start when an electric Fiat sparked
Howard County and neighboring firefighters trained on removing burning electric vehicles, monitoring hazards and adapting tactics for high-risk EV fire incidents
Firefighter union and civic leaders demanded halts to battery-energy storage systems near homes and firehouses, citing safety and response concerns
Hundreds visited Syracuse Station 17 to learn safe charging and storage tips, meet firefighters and try hands-on demos amid rising battery fire risks
Doyle Fire District thanked Cheektowaga officials and Rep. Tim Kennedy for a $240,000 grant that funded an EV fire-suppression system
From the story of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow to the annual observations that bring fire safety messages to millions
A nickel-cadmium battery mixed into a 60-foot pile ilikely ignited a Springfield blaze, which took 4.5 million gallons of water and six hours to control
The state is backing research into firefighting and cancer, citing 9/11-scale exposure concerns and developing stronger protections for crews battling wildfires near cities
KNIGHTTEK named exclusive global distributor
FDNY says roughly 100 lithium-ion batteries ignited in the basement of a Queens home operating an illegal e-bike repair shop
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