Press Release  State Fire Marshal Issues Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Reminder

STOW — With the holiday gift-giving season in full swing, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine is reminding residents to use caution when choosing and using devices powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Video of a consumer-grade lithium-ion battery failure is attached. The accompanying sounds are alarms detecting toxic and flammable gases.

“Many of this year’s Christmas and Hanukkah presents will be use lithium-ion batteries,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “These devices pack a lot of power into a small device, so it’s important to choose and use them safely.”

• Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a certification mark from an independent testing lab such as UL or Intertek/ETL. This means the device meets important safety standards.
• Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
• Keep doorways, stairways, and windows clear. A fire involving a large device such as an e-bike can trap residents if left in an escape route like a doorway, stairwell, or window. Store e-bikes and electric scooters outdoors if possible.
• Recycle batteries responsibly. When it’s time to dispose of the device or replace the battery, don’t throw it in the trash or regular recycling bins. Physical damage in a compactor truck or transfer station is a common cause of lithium-ion battery fires. Instead, bring them to a safe battery recycling location. Visit www.call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

In 2023, the Department of Fire Services launched a data collection tool to help officials track the extent of fires, explosions, and other lithium-ion battery incidents. This investigative checklist is used by the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit, and local fire investigators are encouraged to use it as well. While previous reporting suggested about 20 lithium-ion battery fires per year, the new tool has identified about 90 so far this year.

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