Lithium-ion batteries causing fires, dangers on California freeways, sparking calls for safety improvements
5 months ago

Lithium-ion batteries causing fires, dangers on California freeways, sparking calls for safety improvements

LA Times  

For more than two days, a vital shipping passageway in the Port of L.A. was shut down, and the cause was surprising to some. A big rig overturned, sparking a fierce lithium-ion battery blaze that spewed toxic gases, snarled port traffic and resulted in what one official said was massive economic losses from delayed shipments. Safety basics These batteries are generally safe with proper care and storage, said Robert Rezende, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department battalion chief and the region’s first lithium-ion battery safety coordinator. Problems on roadways In May, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spent 14 days battling a hazardous fire that ignited at a lithium-ion battery storage facility in Otay Mesa. “I think that a local rule would be very important, but I would really prefer a statewide rule, and I think ultimately federal legislation on how to transport and utilize these batteries across the nation would be very important.” Improving safety Rezende said there were several things that could be done to increase transportation safety.

Safety Battery Electric Vehicles Baker San Diego Mcosker Batteries Fires Sparking Calls Safe Storage Toxic Gases Rezende  freeways  safety  batteries  dangers  california  moving  san  sparking  calls  battery  causing  safe  storage  trucks  lithiumion  fires  improvements

History of this topic

Shocking twist after house fire kills a man in Sydney
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Shocking twist after house fire kills a man in Sydney

Daily Mail  

E-bike owners have been warned to be vigilant while charging the bicycles, after a man was killed and five others narrowly escaped a house fire in western Sydney on Tuesday morning. Fire and Rescue NSW Assistant Commissioner Mick Morris said early investigations suggested an e-bike battery caught fire and started the blaze. A man has died in a house fire …

Police say burning Tesla battery prevented them from saving driver in fatal crash
2 months ago

Police say burning Tesla battery prevented them from saving driver in fatal crash

LA Times  

A Tesla driver in Torrance was killed after a crash Tuesday, with police unable to rescue the motorist due to the intense lithium ion battery blaze. The incident is the latest example of the safety risks emergency crews can face when responding to incidents that involve high-voltage lithium ion batteries that power electric vehicles, according to a National Transportation Safety …

‘Horrifying’ fire at California lithium battery plant sparks calls for new clean energy rules
2 months, 1 week ago

‘Horrifying’ fire at California lithium battery plant sparks calls for new clean energy rules

LA Times  

This image from a video shows flames rising after a major fire erupted at the Moss Landing Power Plant, about 77 miles south of San Francisco, on Jan. 16. When a massive fire erupted at one of the world’s largest lithium-ion battery storage facilities in Monterey County, it didn’t just send plumes of smoke over nearby communities — it cast …

A battery plant fire in California started during a boom for energy storage
2 months, 2 weeks ago

A battery plant fire in California started during a boom for energy storage

Associated Press  

AUSTIN, Texas — A fire at one of the world’s largest battery plants in Northern California contained tens of thousands of lithium batteries that store power from renewable energy and have become a growing electricity source. Texas rushes to add more power The Texas grid is rapidly gaining utility-scale batteries and added a whopping 5 gigawatts of storage over the …

A battery plant fire in California started during a boom for energy storage
2 months, 2 weeks ago

A battery plant fire in California started during a boom for energy storage

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A fire at one of …

Huge fire erupts at battery storage plant in California, hundreds ordered to evacuate
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Huge fire erupts at battery storage plant in California, hundreds ordered to evacuate

Hindustan Times  

Hundreds of people were ordered to evacuate and part of Highway 1 in Northern California was closed when a major fire erupted Thursday afternoon at one of the world's largest battery storage plants. Burning fire at the site of Vistra Corp's power plant in Moss Landing, California, on January 16, 2025 in this screen grab obtained from a social media …

Hundreds ordered to evacuate as fire erupts at huge California battery storage plant
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Hundreds ordered to evacuate as fire erupts at huge California battery storage plant

The Hindu  

Hundreds of people were ordered to evacuate and part of Highway 1 in Northern California was closed when a major fire erupted Thursday afternoon at one of the world's largest battery storage plants. As the fire sent up towering flames and black smoke and showed no sign of easing by Thursday night, about 1,500 people were instructed to leave Moss …

Smoke from fire at California lithium battery plant raises concerns about air quality
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Smoke from fire at California lithium battery plant raises concerns about air quality

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — A fire at the world’s largest battery storage plant in Northern California smoldered Friday after sending plumes of toxic smoke into the atmosphere, leading to the evacuation of up to 1,500 people. The fire at the Vistra Energy lithium battery plant in Moss Landing generated huge flames and significant amounts of smoke Thursday but had diminished significantly …

Monterey County officials call Moss Landing lithium battery storage fire ‘wake-up call’
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Monterey County officials call Moss Landing lithium battery storage fire ‘wake-up call’

LA Times  

This image from video shows flames rising after a major fire erupted Thursday afternoon at the Moss Landing Power Plant, located about 77 miles south of San Francisco. Monterey County officials declared a local emergency after a fire ignited at a power plant and one of the largest lithium battery storage facilities in the world on Thursday, releasing a large …

Big rig with lithium ion batteries flips in San Pedro, sparking hazardous fire, closing freeway
6 months, 1 week ago

Big rig with lithium ion batteries flips in San Pedro, sparking hazardous fire, closing freeway

LA Times  

A big rig containing lithium ion batteries overturned in San Pedro Thursday afternoon, sparking a fire that reportedly led at least one battery to explode. A hazardous fire broke out in San Pedro around noon on Thursday after a big rig carrying lithium ion batteries overturned, causing at least one battery to explode, authorities said. Los Angeles City Fire Department …

It took 50,000 gallons of water to put out Tesla Semi fire in California, US agency says
6 months, 3 weeks ago

It took 50,000 gallons of water to put out Tesla Semi fire in California, US agency says

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — California firefighters had to douse a flaming battery in a Tesla Semi with about 50,000 gallons of water to extinguish flames after a crash, the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday. In addition to the huge amount of water, firefighters used an aircraft to drop fire retardant on the “immediate area” of the electric truck as a precautionary …

Battery fires 'top issue' for Fire and Rescue NSW as state reports more than six fires per week
7 months, 1 week ago

Battery fires 'top issue' for Fire and Rescue NSW as state reports more than six fires per week

ABC  

New South Wales is on track to surpass more than 300 reported battery fires this year alone, with firefighters battling two blazes in Sydney just this week. 'The fastest growing fire risk' FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said battery fires were now a primary focus. "I would say across firefighters in general, and the firefighting industry, it's the top issue at …

Fire authorities warn of lithium-ion battery risks after two students narrowly escape Melbourne fire
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Fire authorities warn of lithium-ion battery risks after two students narrowly escape Melbourne fire

ABC  

In short: Two students were awoken after a lithium-ion battery powered mobile phone bank exploded, setting their bed alight. Fire authorities have warned the frequency of lithium-ion battery fires is growing, and energy experts have urged consumers to check their products are up to Australian standards. Victorian fire authorities say they're responding to almost one lithium-ion battery fire every day, …

Two killed in NSW house blaze believed to be state's first recorded lithium-ion battery-related deaths, Fire and Rescue NSW says
1 year ago

Two killed in NSW house blaze believed to be state's first recorded lithium-ion battery-related deaths, Fire and Rescue NSW says

ABC  

In short: Fire and Rescue NSW has said a house fire in Lake Macquarie last week appears to be responsible for the state's first deaths from a lithium-ion battery-related fire. Fire and Rescue NSW has said a house fire in Lake Macquarie last week appears to be responsible for the state's first deaths from a lithium-ion battery-related fire. Two people …

Battery breakthrough that could slash price of electric cars
1 year, 2 months ago

Battery breakthrough that could slash price of electric cars

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A breakthrough in battery techonology could vastly improve power longevity for electric vehicles An Ipsos study last year found …

Battery storage is a key piece of California’s clean energy transition. But there’s a problem with fires
1 year, 5 months ago

Battery storage is a key piece of California’s clean energy transition. But there’s a problem with fires

LA Times  

Terra-Gen’s Valley Center battery storage project opened in February 2022. Generally, I’m very pleased with the performance of the storage fleet in California, but we cannot have fires on a regular basis.” Why batteries are important Energy storage has taken on a higher profile in recent years as more renewable sources of power have come onto California’s electric grid. San …

As e-bikes proliferate, so do deadly fires blamed on exploding lithium-ion batteries
1 year, 8 months ago

As e-bikes proliferate, so do deadly fires blamed on exploding lithium-ion batteries

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The explosion early on a June morning ignited a blaze that engulfed a New York City shop filled with motorized bicycles and their volatile lithium-ion batteries. Consumer advocates and fire departments, particularly in New York City, are urging the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish mandatory safety standards and confiscate noncompliant imports when they arrive at …

United Firefighters Union Australia warns governments to address lithium-ion battery fire risks during electric vehicle crashes
2 years ago

United Firefighters Union Australia warns governments to address lithium-ion battery fire risks during electric vehicle crashes

ABC  

The firefighters' union has urged the federal government to reduce the risks posed by electric vehicles and other lithium-ion battery technologies. Key points: The main firefighters' union says the public needs to be more aware of the risks posed by lithium-battery fires EV fires are difficult to put out and can release toxic gases After a crash, EV owners are …

E-bike batteries blamed for 22 NYC fires, 2 deaths this year
2 years, 1 month ago

E-bike batteries blamed for 22 NYC fires, 2 deaths this year

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Lithium ion batteries used to power electric bicycles and scooters have already sparked 22 fires that caused 36 injuries and two deaths in New York City this year, four times the number of fires linked to the batteries by this time last year, officials said Friday. Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said Mayor Eric Adams’ administration is “coming …

E-bike fires: Why low-quality lithium-ion batteries explode, and why NYC is struggling to stop them.
2 years, 1 month ago

E-bike fires: Why low-quality lithium-ion batteries explode, and why NYC is struggling to stop them.

Slate  

Every day, Manny Ramirez crisscrosses Manhattan, ferrying takeout food, toiletries, and a host of other things that people order on apps. “They are smaller and they last less,” said Hildalyn Colón-Hernández, director of policy and strategic partnership at Los Deliveristas Unidos, an advocacy group for New York City’s delivery workers. The process is called a “thermal runaway”—the battery violently unleashing …

Australia 'not prepared' for fire risk of lithium-ion batteries used in e-scooters, bikes, cars, say firefighters
2 years, 2 months ago

Australia 'not prepared' for fire risk of lithium-ion batteries used in e-scooters, bikes, cars, say firefighters

ABC  

Australia is "not prepared" for the risk posed by lithium-ion batteries — used in electric scooters, bikes and cars — which have been linked to hundreds of fires across the country, a firefighters' union has warned. Key points: Electric cars, scooters and bikes use lithium-ion batteries, which have varying degrees of fire risk International research indicates hundreds of lithium-ion battery …

Concerns over growing number of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in e-scooters and e-bikes
2 years, 2 months ago

Concerns over growing number of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in e-scooters and e-bikes

ABC  

Hundreds of fires across Australia have been linked to lithium-ion batteries, which are used to power light electric vehicles like e-scooters and e-bikes. Key points: Fire and Rescue NSW is responding to more than three fires every week involving lithium-ion batteries This week, a Brisbane house fire was started by an e-scooter battery exploding The Competition and Consumer Commission is …

Dozens injured as lithium battery fire rips through Manhattan high-rise: ‘Unbelievably dangerous’
2 years, 4 months ago

Dozens injured as lithium battery fire rips through Manhattan high-rise: ‘Unbelievably dangerous’

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors …

Fears fires caused by lithium-ion batteries will 'increase considerably' as popularity of electric scooters rises
2 years, 6 months ago

Fears fires caused by lithium-ion batteries will 'increase considerably' as popularity of electric scooters rises

ABC  

Firefighters are concerned the number of residential blazes being triggered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries will "increase considerably" over coming years, as devices like electric scooters become more popular. Key points: Two fatal fires in Brisbane and Logan are believed to have been caused by a charging battery Lithium-ion batteries can be found in almost every battery-powered domestic item "Typically" fires …

Firefighters warn of rise in fires caused by e-bikes after Shepherd’s Bush blaze
2 years, 9 months ago

Firefighters warn of rise in fires caused by e-bikes after Shepherd’s Bush blaze

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Charlie Pugsley, LBF’s assistant commissioner for fire safety, said: “It’s incredibly concerning that we …

Toxic fume danger as experts called in to extinguish lithium battery fire on Atlantic cargo ship
3 years, 1 month ago

Toxic fume danger as experts called in to extinguish lithium battery fire on Atlantic cargo ship

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Specialists will be needed …

Warning about maintaining solar panel batteries after Adelaide house badly damaged in fire
3 years, 1 month ago

Warning about maintaining solar panel batteries after Adelaide house badly damaged in fire

ABC  

A fire that started in a solar panel battery has badly damaged a house in Adelaide's northern suburbs, in what the Metropolitan Fire Service says is a growing problem involving lithium-ion batteries across Australia. Key points: A house fire in Burton caused $200,000 damage It started in solar panel batteries in the garage The fire service says battery blazes are …

Cars Are Going Electric. What Happens to the Used Batteries?
3 years, 5 months ago

Cars Are Going Electric. What Happens to the Used Batteries?

Wired  

This summer, Dirk Spiers, a tall, rumpled Dutchman-turned-Oklahoman, got a heads-up from General Motors about more problems with the Chevrolet Bolt. Over the previous year, the car model that had once been celebrated as GM’s grand victory over Tesla—the United States’ first truly mass-market electric vehicle—had begun to look more like a slow-motion disaster. Unlike the toaster-oven-sized lead-acid batteries inside …

Batteries exploding in burning abandoned Illinois building
3 years, 9 months ago

Batteries exploding in burning abandoned Illinois building

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Lithium batteries exploded loudly overnight inside a burning former paper mill in northern Illinois that officials had believed was long abandoned, and fire officials have decided to let the blaze burn out because they fear trying to extinguish it could trigger more explosions. Fire Chief Tracey Steffes said thus far air quality tests were “coming back favorable,” but …

Coast Guard slow to act on fire dangers of lithium-ion batteries
5 years, 3 months ago

Coast Guard slow to act on fire dangers of lithium-ion batteries

LA Times  

Nearly a year before 34 people were killed in a fire aboard the dive boat Conception, a second vessel owned by the same charter company began a three-day voyage around the Channel Islands. But the U.S. Coast Guard didn’t sound major alarms about the fire risk of the batteries until after the Labor Day fire aboard the Conception, the worst …

Arizona fire highlights challenges for energy storage
5 years, 9 months ago

Arizona fire highlights challenges for energy storage

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Arizona’s largest electric company installed massive batteries near neighborhoods with a large number of solar panels, hoping to capture some of the energy from the afternoon sun to use after dark. Arizona Public Service has been an early adopter of battery storage technology seen as critical for the wider deployment of renewable energy and for a more resilient …

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