To mark last week’s Fire Prevention Week, fire departments, educators, and safety experts across the country turned their attention to a growing but often underestimated hazard: lithium-ion battery fires. From e-bikes in our homes to large-scale energy storage systems, battery safety is becoming an increasingly important part of everyday life — and as the use of these technologies expands, so do the risks.
The five statistics below highlight just how quickly battery fires are on the rise and why this issue demands attention. By understanding the risks and putting strong safety measures in place, we can significantly reduce the likelihood of dangerous incidents.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported 50 battery fire incidents onboard airplanes through the first eight months of this year. That averages out to more than one a week. Airlines have responded to the surge in battery fires with new safety measures and battery bans, making the issue a major headline in 2025.
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) is facing a trial by fire as it scrambles to understand and tackle the growing battery fire crisis. Over the past two years, the FDNY reports lithium batteries have been the third leading cause of accidental fires in the city — trailing only electrical wiring and smoking.
E-bike batteries are an emerging source of dangerous home and building fires. One small defect can have major consequences. Incidents are growing worldwide — in the UK, e-bike battery fires have increased 8x over the past five years.
In January, fires at the massive Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility captured national attention. Fires at these sites can spread quickly through large installations if not addressed properly. Enabling the safe shutdown of individual cells and packs can help contain incidents and prevent widespread damage.
While awareness of battery fire dangers is increasing, many people still don’t recognize the risks of their own actions. A UL Standards survey found more than one in four travelers pack lithium batteries in checked bags — where they’re banned — either because they don’t realize what they’re doing or don’t understand the danger.
Safety First
Everyone has a role to play in preventing battery fires. But the best prevention happens before a fire ever starts. With proactive safety technologies built into batteries from the beginning, we can significantly reduce risks in our homes, at storage sites, on the road and in the air.
Fire Prevention Week may be over, but battery fire safety is all of our responsibility.
Explore 24M's battery technologies that embed safety from the start:
