The Hidden Fire Hazard in Your Home: Lithium Batteries Are Sparking Dangerous Blazes from Phones to E-Bikes

From the smartphone charging on your nightstand to the e-bike in your garage, lithium-ion batteries have become an invisible part of our daily lives. But these powerful energy sources are creating an alarming new fire risk that’s catching homeowners off guard. E-bike fires increased 793% since 2019, with 268 incidents causing 18 deaths in NYC alone last year, highlighting a growing crisis that demands immediate attention.

The Science Behind the Danger: Understanding Thermal Runaway

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery. The danger lies in a phenomenon called thermal runaway, which occurs when a fault within the battery – usually caused by a manufacturing defect, misuse or external damage – creates a short circuit that releases a lot of heat within a battery cell. This heat can initiate a chemical reaction that generates more heat, which causes the structure of the cell to collapse, which in turn creates more heat. This chain reaction can spread to other cells, releasing a large amount of energy and toxic gases over a few minutes.

The speed at which these fires develop is particularly terrifying. The Fire Safety Research Institute conducted an experiment that showed an e-bike in thermal runaway completely engulfing a room in flames in less than 20 seconds, giving occupants virtually no time to escape safely.

Your Phone Could Be a Fire Hazard

While e-bikes grab headlines, everyday devices pose significant risks too. A student’s cell phone caught fire in a classroom at Bentworth High School due to lithium-ion battery failure, prompting an evacuation of part of the school. The incident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. Fire officials attributed the fire to thermal runaway in the phone’s battery. This incident demonstrates that no lithium-ion device is immune to failure.

The key warning signs to watch for include if a battery is hot, leaking, or giving off a strange odor, or an odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises. When any of these symptoms appear, stop using it immediately. Move it to a safe area, away from people, and contact the manufacturer for disposal instructions.

E-Bikes: The Biggest Residential Fire Risk

E-bikes represent the most dangerous category of lithium battery devices for homeowners. About 1 in 15,000 e-bikes may experience a fire, and almost all of these will be due to the lithium-ion batteries. However, 49% of e-bike and e-scooter owners who charge at home are blocking their exits and unaware of the power source’s risks, let alone the speed of lithium-ion battery fires.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued urgent warnings about specific e-bike batteries. The hazardous batteries can unexpectedly ignite and explode, posing a fire hazard to consumers, especially when the battery or the harness has been exposed to water and debris. CPSC is aware of 31 reports of fire, including 12 reports of property damage totaling approximately $734,500.

Essential Fire Prevention Strategies

Protecting your home starts with smart purchasing decisions. Check the packaging and product for a mark from a nationally recognized testing lab—that stamp means it meets real safety standards. A lot of products sold online and in stores don’t, and that can seriously increase your risk of fire.

Charging practices are critical for safety. Charge any lithium-ion battery device on a hard surface—never on your bed, couch, or under a pillow. And don’t overcharge. Once it’s at 100%, unplug. For larger devices, charging something big like an e-bike, scooter, or power tool with a lithium-ion battery? Do it outside. Use a flat, dry area away from direct sunlight, anything wet, kids, or tripping hazards.

Charge only when you’re awake and present to monitor the process. Most battery fires occur during charging, especially when unattended. Charging creates heat, and if something goes wrong, you need to be able to respond immediately.

When Prevention Fails: Fire Response and Recovery

Despite best efforts, lithium battery fires can still occur. Lithium-ion battery fires spread quickly, aggressively, and can become explosive or reignite. Water may not prevent a battery from burning and fire extinguishers do not work on lithium-ion battery fires. The safest response is immediate evacuation and calling 911.

When fire damage does occur, professional restoration becomes essential. Wisconsin homeowners facing fire damage from lithium battery incidents need experienced professionals who understand the unique challenges these fires present. Companies specializing in fire damage restoration can address not only the visible damage but also the hidden smoke and chemical residue that lithium battery fires produce.

Proper Disposal Prevents Future Fires

Safe disposal is crucial for preventing fires during transport and processing. Don’t toss lithium-ion batteries or devices in the trash or regular recycling bins—they can start a fire. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire. Instead, recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

The Growing Threat Requires Immediate Action

Nationwide, there have been 188 explosions and more than 3,000 fires caused by lithium-ion battery-powered consumer devices since 2022, according to UL Solutions data. This alarming trend shows no signs of slowing as more devices enter our homes.

The 2025 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”, reflects the urgent need for public awareness. Making sure the public knows how to handle them safely is critical to minimizing the potential risks they present, emphasizes the National Fire Protection Association.

As Wisconsin residents increasingly adopt e-mobility devices and rely on battery-powered electronics, understanding these risks becomes essential for protecting families and property. By following proper charging practices, recognizing warning signs, and ensuring professional restoration when needed, homeowners can significantly reduce their risk of becoming another statistic in this growing fire safety crisis.