As Firehouse Sees It: Lithium-ion Batteries and Awareness for All
As we take to the skies, airline employees ask about any lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries that we are carrying. Last year, after Hurricane Ian devastated parts of Florida, the state fire marshal’s office warned that Li-ion batteries that were damaged by salt water could lead to fires.
Recently, FDNY and the London Fire Brigade both issued stark warnings to residents about the dangers of Li-ion batteries to citizens, sharing videos that showed a smoking mobility device erupt into flames and with rapid fire growth and spread.
According to NFPA research, one in 10 million batteries fail and cause a fire. Many of those batteries are off-brand or refurbished. Although it seems like a rare number of cases, the uses of batteries are growing, whether they are in vehicles, scooters, handheld devices or whatever comes next.
About two years ago, a friend from FDNY responded to a fire in which a battery-powered scooter was found burning in an upper-level unit of a high-rise apartment building. The fire was under control quickly, but after overhaul and while crews were breaking down, the battery heated up and reignited. Luckily, firefighters were able to douse that fire, and no members were caught off from egress.
By early May 2023, FDNY officials reported almost 80 fires that started with these batteries. Those fires left 60 injured and seven dead. The most recent fire, which claimed two lives, started in an apartment where investigators found multiple batteries on chargers in the aftermath of the fire. Last year in New York City, four people died in battery-related fires.
This year’s Safety Stand Down—an outreach effort from the U.S. Fire Administration, the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Safety, Health and Survival Section, the NFPA and the National Volunteer Fire Council—is focused on addressing response and raising awareness among citizens. The theme, “Lithium-ion Batteries: Are You Ready?”, provides information that you must spend time learning, discussing the ability to identify such hazards, mitigation strategies and how to inform the public. This year’s Stand Down Week takes place June 18–24.
Last month, I was at a university campus for graduation events and saw no fewer than a half-dozen students riding across campus on a battery-powered scooter within an hour. Two of them walked into their dorm after folding them up. Later, I wondered whether they were aware of the dangers that they held in their hands.
Beyond the Safety Stand Down, departments must take the lead in educating citizens and business owners on the dangers. This must become a part of community risk reduction efforts and certainly should be taught to students in schools, who often use these devices. Inspectors must inform owners when they conduct their visits about the dangers.
Years ago, when one computer brand’s laptop batteries continued to catch fire, legislation was created and the threat went away. We know how long that can take, so it’s up to fire departments and their partners to be aware and then to raise awareness elsewhere.
Save now on Firehouse Expo
With many departments facing financial challenges as of late, we expanded the discounted offerings that are available this year. If you register before Aug. 1, you’ll save from $50 to $100 per rate using the early-bird savings.
If you’re coming with a group, we provide the Group discount for three or more firefighters and the Firefighter Partner discount, which allows 10 or more (or an entire department for Ohio-area agencies) to attend with a deep discount.
Also, check the website for the new first-timer discount, which provides a great offer to first-time attendees who want to participate in classes, visit the exhibitors and sponsors, and talk shop with brothers and sisters from across the country.
Further, you don’t want to miss out on this year’s hands-on training sessions, which offer several new classes for firefighters of varying skill levels. See “Firehouse Expo Preview: New HOT Sessions.”
Visit FirehouseExpo.com today to learn more, and register to save your spot.
Peter Matthews | Editor-in-Chief/Conference Director
Peter Matthews is the conference director and editor-in-chief of Firehouse. He has worked at Firehouse since 1999, serving in various roles on both Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com staffs. He completed an internship with the Rochester, NY, Fire Department and served with fire departments in Rush, NY, and Laurel, MD, and was a lieutenant with the Glenwood Fire Company in Glenwood, NY. Matthews served as photographer for the St. Paul, MN, Fire Department.
