For Immediate Release
June 11, 2025
Charlottesville Fire Department Issues Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Alert
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — In light of a recent residential house fires, the Charlottesville Fire Department (CFD) is urging community members to exercise extreme caution when charging and storing lithium-ion batteries. These powerful batteries, commonly found in everyday electronics such as phones, laptops, scooters, and power tools, pose serious fire risks when not handled properly.
During a recent emergency response, CFD found that a fire had started in the basement of a home after lithium-ion batteries were left charging unattended. The batteries overheated and ignited, quickly spreading flames throughout the basement. In a fortunate turn of events, the fire melted a water line above, which burst and sprayed water onto the fire—an outcome that is extremely rare and should not be relied upon in the event of future fires.
CFD recommends the following critical safety tips to help prevent lithium-ion battery fires:
Leave the area immediately: If you notice warning signs such as popping or hissing sounds, excessive heat, an unusual odor, or wisps of smoke, evacuate immediately.
Do not attempt to extinguish the fire: Fires involving lithium-ion batteries are highly unstable and can reignite or explode. Water and most standard fire extinguishers are ineffective.
Call 911: Report any fire promptly and wait for trained emergency responders.
Store batteries safely: Keep batteries away from flammable materials and never leave them in hot environments, such as inside a parked car.
Use the correct charger: Only use chargers specifically designed for your device to prevent overheating or overcharging.
Check for damage: Stop using any battery that shows signs of swelling, odd smells, or unusual heat.
Dispose of batteries properly: Recycle batteries at designated facilities or follow local disposal guidelines.
By following these precautions, residents can help prevent future incidents and keep their homes and families safe.
Media Contact
Kyle Ervin
Public Safety Information Officer
Charlottesville Fire Department
ervinkl@charlottesville.gov
(434) 326-3043