Chicago Fire Department warns of rising lithium battery fires

The Chicago Fire Department has reported a significant increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in devices like laptops, e-scooters, and vapes. These batteries can lead to explosive fires and release toxic chemicals, posing serious risks to safety. A recent incident in Tulsa, Oklahoma, highlighted the dangers when a family dog chewed on a battery, resulting in a fire. Experts emphasize the importance of using compatible chargers and avoiding counterfeit products to mitigate risks. Robert Slone, a chief scientist at UL Solutions, warns that lithium-ion batteries behave differently from standard batteries, making them more hazardous. The Chicago Fire Department has issued a public service announcement to educate the public about the dangers of improper charging, mixing battery types, and using aging or modified batteries. They also caution against using batteries that show signs of leaking, bulging, or emitting strange odors. In New York City, the dangers of these batteries were underscored last year when 18 deaths were linked to fires caused by lithium batteries, marking them as a leading cause of fire incidents. The Chicago Fire Department is now collecting similar data to understand the scope of the problem in their jurisdiction. As a proactive measure, a new law mandates that e-scooters and e-bikes powered by lithium batteries must be tested and certified before being sold in Chicago. This regulation aims to enhance safety and reduce the risk of battery-related fires in the city.