Washington State Fire Marshal Issues Safety Advisory on Lithium-Ion Battery Risks

Lithium-ion batteries power a wide range of modern devices — from smartphones and laptops to e-scooters, bikes, smoke alarms, and even vehicles. But while these batteries deliver high energy density and convenience, they also pose significant fire and explosion hazards if damaged or misused. This reality has prompted the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office to issue a public safety advisory warning residents about potential dangers and to offer clear guidance for safer use.

🔥 Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Are a Safety Concern

Lithium-ion technology stores a large amount of energy in a compact form, which means that under certain conditions, such as damage, overheating, overcharging, or faulty charging equipment, the batteries may catch fire or even explode. This can happen with both common consumer devices and larger battery packs.

According to the advisory:

• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) documented more than 25,000 incidents of fires or overheating involving lithium-ion batteries from 2017 through 2022.

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also observed an increase in lithium-ion battery fire incidents on U.S. flights, signaling that the hazard is widespread and not confined to everyday household devices.

• Local fire departments have responded to multiple lithium-ion battery–related fires in the region.

These figures underscore the importance of taking battery safety seriously — especially as these power sources become more integrated into daily life.

🛡 Essential Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Tips

To minimize the risk of fire, explosion, or thermal events involving lithium-ion batteries, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends the following best practices for consumers and households:

✔️ Choose Certified Devices and Components

Always buy devices and batteries that are certified by a trusted testing laboratory. Certification means the product has been evaluated for safety under expected use conditions.

🔌 Use Compatible Charging Accessories

• Only use the charging cable and adapter that came with the device, or certified compatible replacements.

• Avoid charging batteries under pillows, on beds, or on sofas where heat can accumulate.

🚫 Avoid Overcharging

Unplug devices once charging is complete. Continuous charging after reach­ing full capacity can increase heat buildup and stress the battery.

📦 Store Batteries Safely

• Keep batteries in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials.

• Don’t expose batteries to extreme temperatures — do not charge them below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).

🔁 Insert Correctly

Always insert batteries into devices in the correct orientation and follow manufacturers’ instructions. Incorrect insertion can lead to internal shorts and overheating.

🏡 Why Communities Should Care

While most lithium-ion battery incidents do not result in injury, fires can cause serious property damage, evacuations, and in rare cases, loss of life. Because they are used in so many common devices, from phones to e-bikes, nearly every household has at least one of these batteries. Proper awareness and safe handling are therefore essential components of home safety.

Promoting safe charging practices, investing in high-quality devices and chargers, and understanding environmental limits for battery use can significantly reduce the risk of a hazardous event in your home.

🧯 Final Thoughts

As our reliance on lithium-ion battery-powered technology grows, so too does the need for public education about the risks and safe practices associated with these energy sources. The Washington State Fire Marshal’s advisory serves as a timely reminder that consumer awareness and proactive safety steps are key to preventing preventable fires and protecting homes and families.

If you have questions about Li-ion battery safety or protocols, contact Kevin @kevindoyleconsulting.com