Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Surge: A Growing Hazard for Fire Services and Consumers
Fires involving lithium-ion batteries are on the rise globally, presenting significant challenges for fire departments and raising safety concerns for consumers. Recent data indicates a substantial increase in incidents, driven by the proliferation of battery-powered devices and energy storage systems.
Rising Incident Rates
According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency in Japan, the number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries reached 1,162 cases in 2024, a 33% increase from the 852 cases reported in 2022 and 910 in 2023. Mainichi Japan. This upward trend continued into the first half of 2025, with 665 cases recorded between January and June.
Common Products Involved
While discarded lithium batteries account for approximately 20% of these incidents, fires are as well originating from a wide range of consumer products. External batteries (power banks) are a leading cause, representing 35% of fires between January and June 2025. Mobile phones account for 7% of incidents. Other products implicated include power tools, electric assist bicycles, cordless vacuum cleaners, and even wireless headphones.
Causes of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Determining the exact cause of lithium-ion battery fires can be complex. For external batteries, identified causes include physical impacts (9%), exposure to high temperatures (6%), product defects (3%), and improper charging methods (3%). However, in over half of the cases (53%), the cause remains unknown. Mainichi Japan.
The use of non-original batteries in power tools and cordless vacuum cleaners is also a frequently observed ignition source.
Fire Service Response and Resources
Lithium-ion battery fires pose unique challenges for firefighters. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recognizes these incidents as increasingly complex and perplexing. USFA. Resources are available to assist fire departments in mitigating and responding to these fires, including guidance on community outreach and safety education. The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is also focused on enhancing fire safety and energy storage oversight. IAFC.
Recent publications from the USFA include the “Electric Vehicle Fire/Rescue Response Operations Guide” (July 29, 2025) and guides for responding to electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries (Dec. 31, 2024). USFA.
Safety Recommendations
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency emphasizes the importance of acquiring safe products, using them correctly, and properly disposing of them. Mainichi Japan.
Looking Ahead
As the use of lithium-ion batteries continues to expand across various sectors, including electric vehicles and energy storage systems, the risk of fires is expected to remain elevated. Continued research, improved safety standards, and enhanced fire service training will be crucial to address this growing hazard.