For Immediate Release: Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety: What You Need to Know
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety: What You Need to Know.
Date: April 10, 2026
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries power everything from smartphones and laptops to power tools, RC cars, scooters, and e-bikes. They’re efficient and lightweight—but when mishandled, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode. Understanding how to charge, store, and use them safely is critical. Li-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a compact space. If something goes wrong—such as internal damage, overheating, or overcharging—they can enter a condition called thermal runaway, in which heat rapidly increases, leading to fire or explosion. Paradise Police and Cal Fire have responded to two such residential home fires in the past week. For your safety, please follow these basic guidelines described and refer to the manufacturer's safety information for your specific battery and charging device.
One of the most important safety rules is not to leave lithium-ion batteries charging unattended, especially overnight or when you’re not home. If a battery begins to overheat, early warning signs (swelling, smell, heat) can go unnoticed. Fires can escalate quickly—within minutes. Many incidents occur when devices are plugged in and left alone for extended periods.
Best practices:
• Charge devices when you’re awake and nearby (Avoid charging overnight).
• Unplug or remove battery once fully charged.
• Always charge on safe, non-flammable surfaces such as concrete floors, tile or stone countertops, metal trays, or fire-resistant mats or enclosures.
• For high-capacity batteries (like e-bike packs), consider a fire-resistant charging bag or container.
Additional Safety Tips
• Always use the manufacturer-recommended charger. Cheap or incompatible chargers may lack proper voltage regulation and safety features.
• Inspect batteries regularly.
• Avoid extreme temperatures.
What To Do If a Battery Overheats or Catches Fire
• Disconnect power immediately if safe to do so.
• Move away and keep others clear.
• Use a Class D fire extinguisher if available, or a standard extinguisher for small fires.
• Call 911.
