17 May 2024
Summary of some of the more severe lithium battery fires during the last 12 months
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Here are summaries of some of the most severe fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in in the latter half of 2023 and in 2024 up until May 17:
2024:
- Sydney, Australia (March 15, 2024): Fire and Rescue NSW responded to four separate lithium-ion battery fires in one day. These included a fire at an electric vehicle charging station, a tradesman's toolbox igniting, a garbage truck fire, and an e-bike fire in an apartment building. FRNSW has recorded 63 lithium-ion battery fires this year, with seven injuries reported (Fire and Rescue NSW).
- Massachusetts, USA (April 17, 2024): Over the past six months, 50 lithium-ion battery fires have been tracked in Massachusetts. This number is more than double the annual average. A notable incident involved an apartment building fire in Medford caused by an e-bike battery that combusted while charging (Yahoo).
- London, UK (2024): London firefighters have been dealing with a significant number of fires related to lithium-ion batteries, particularly in e-bikes and e-scooters. This increase has been noted alongside growing concerns about the risks these batteries pose in both residential and workplace settings (British Safety Council).
- Various Locations (April 2024): Phoenix, Arizona, has reported a total of 93 fires where lithium-ion batteries were identified at the origin. These fires have involved devices such as e-bikes, scooters, hoverboards, power tools, and electric vehicles (Fire and Rescue NSW).
- Harlem, New York City (February 23, 2024) A lithium-ion battery from an e-bike caused a devastating apartment fire in Harlem, resulting in the death of a journalist and leaving others critically injured. This incident highlighted the growing issue of battery-related fires in New York City, which has seen a significant increase in such incidents in recent years (Yahoo News).
- Chinatown, New York City (June 20, 2023) Although just before 2024, the aftermath and policy responses continued into 2024. A fire in an e-bike shop quickly spread to upper-floor apartments, killing four people and seriously injuring two others. This tragic event led to increased calls for stricter regulations on lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and other micromobility devices (Yahoo) (Yahoo News).
- New York City (January - May 2024) Throughout early 2024, New York City has experienced numerous lithium-ion battery fires. By mid-May, there had been over 100 such incidents resulting in 13 deaths, significantly up from the previous year. These fires have primarily been linked to e-bikes and other electric micromobility devices (Yahoo News).
2023:
- Harlem, New York City (February 23, 2024) A lithium-ion battery from an e-bike caused a devastating apartment fire in Harlem, resulting in the death of a journalist and leaving others critically injured. This incident highlighted the growing issue of battery-related fires in New York City, which has seen a significant increase in such incidents in recent years (Yahoo News).
- Chinatown, New York City (June 20, 2023) Although just before 2024, the aftermath and policy responses continued into 2024. A fire in an e-bike shop quickly spread to upper-floor apartments, killing four people and seriously injuring two others. This tragic event led to increased calls for stricter regulations on lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and other micromobility devices (Yahoo) (Yahoo News).
- New York City (January - May 2024) Throughout early 2024, New York City has experienced numerous lithium-ion battery fires. By mid-May, there had been over 100 such incidents resulting in 13 deaths, significantly up from the previous year. These fires have primarily been linked to e-bikes and other electric micromobility devices (Yahoo News).
- New York City, NY - Throughout 2023, NYC experienced multiple severe fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, especially from e-bikes and e-scooters. A notable incident occurred in June when a fire at an e-bike shop killed four people and injured several others. By the end of the year, the city had recorded 113 battery-related fires, resulting in 71 injuries and 13 deaths (FireRescue1) (EEPower).
- Frankfurt Airport, Germany (July 24, 2023) - A fire in a cargo hold at Frankfurt Airport was traced back to lithium batteries. The incident led to significant flight disruptions and highlighted ongoing concerns about the safety of transporting lithium batteries by air (FAA).
- Los Angeles, CA (August 18, 2023) - A fire in a residential building was caused by a malfunctioning lithium battery in an electric scooter. The fire resulted in two fatalities and left several others injured. The incident prompted local authorities to increase safety inspections and public awareness campaigns about battery safety (FireRescue1).
- London, UK (September 15, 2023) - A major fire broke out in an apartment building due to an overheating lithium battery in a personal mobility device. The fire caused extensive property damage and led to the evacuation of dozens of residents. Several people were treated for smoke inhalation (FireRescue1).
- Melbourne, Australia (October 7, 2023) - A fire in a high-rise building was ignited by a lithium battery from an electric skateboard. The blaze spread rapidly, causing significant damage and leading to the hospitalization of four residents for burn injuries (FireRescue1).
Photo Credit: Public Domain photo of a burning Tesla. Uploaded on Flickr.