Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority Firefighters Swiftly Respond to Fire Caused by Lithium-Ion Battery Failure

On Thursday, July 11, 2024, at approximately 2:38 p.m., firefighters from the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) responded to a reported structure fire on the 4300 block of Noel Court in Prescott Valley, Arizona.

Initial reports indicated that a fire had ignited in a bedroom of the residence when an electric skateboard, plugged into the wall for charging, suddenly burst into flames. The homeowner initially tried to smother the fire with a blanket, but it burned through. Subsequently, they retrieved a garden hose and were able to effectively extinguish the blaze. Meanwhile, the three other occupants and their pets safely evacuated the premises before the emergency crews arrived.

Firefighters completed a thorough inspection of the home and addressed hot spots within the bedroom wall. The Arizona Crisis Team (ACT) was called to the scene to assist the residents. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries to community members or emergency personnel.

“Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use today, including smartphones, laptops, e-scooters and e-bikes, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, and cars. If damaged or not used correctly, these batteries can catch fire or explode,” said Darrell Tirpak, CAFMA Fire Marshal. “We urge community members to follow all safety guidelines to prevent loss of property or injury. This family was at home at the time of the incident, so they were able to immediately call 9-1-1 and get help on the way. Please do not leave charging lithium-ion batteries unattended, and whenever possible, charge them outside your home.”

While lithium-ion battery failure fires like this one are not incredibly common, they do happen. CAFMA encourages community members to familiarize themselves with these safety tips:

• Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing
• Always follow the manufacturer’s
• Only use the battery that is designed for the
• Put batteries in the device the right
• Do not charge the batteries when you are not
• Only use the charging cord that came with the
• Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a
• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully
• Charge e-bikes in a flat, dry area away from your family, direct sunlight, liquids, tripping hazards, and in a location where the bike cannot
• Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).
• Store batteries away from anything that can catch

Discontinue battery use if you notice that the battery’s odor, color, or shape has changed, if it has been exposed to high heat, is leaking, or making strange noises. If safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 9-1-1.

When it is time to dispose of lithium-ion batteries, do not put them in your trash can or discard them in piles. Take them to a battery recycling location or contact your community for disposal instructions.

For more information on lithium-ion battery safety, please visit https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/.

CAFMA extends its gratitude to all its public safety and community partners, including the dispatchers at the Prescott Regional Communications Center, for their dedication and assistance.