2025 Starts with Lithium Battery Fires on Both Coasts

Lithium Battery Incidents in New York and California

Reports of major lithium battery incidents that occur during transportation, at recycling facilities, and in American home remind us of the severe hazards lithium batteries can present, and about the importance of safe handling, storage, and transportation procedures.

Already, 2025 has offered two such reminders of the power and potential dangers of these batteries, one on each US coast—in Queens, New York and Monterrey County, California. 

E-Bikes and Lithium Batteries in Queens, NY

Three residents and a firefighter were injured when a lithium battery sparked a fire in a Queens, NY townhouse on Friday morning. News footage from the scene shows several green lithium batteries piled up in the driveway of the residence, along with several burned e-bikes. The many bikes and batteries uncovered led some to speculate that the residence was being used as an e-bike repair shop. 

Firefighters contended with both temperature extremes during the response—facing extreme heat from lithium batteries in thermal runaway and frigid outdoor temperatures that froze a nearby fire hydrant. New York City enacted a law in September 2023 to control the rental and distribution of non-approved lithium battery-powered mobility devices like scooters and e-bikes. More: NYC Local Law 39.

Fire at a Power Station in Monterrey County, California

Earlier this month, residents were evacuated from areas of Moss Landing, California in Monterrey County after a lithium-ion battery fire broke out at a large battery storage facility and power plant. The fire led to school closures, road closures, and an advisory for residents to stay indoors with windows and doors closed to limit exposure.

Local authorities declared the fire an emergency, and US EPA began monitoring air quality in the region. While the cause of the fire is unknown, officials have stressed that it is unrelated to wildfires in California. 

Video of the incident scene from Wall Street Journal: 

Thermal Runaway and Lithium Battery Safety

Improper and unsafe handling of lithium batteries amplifies the risk of thermal runaway—an event that, while unlikely, is extremely dangerous and can happen due a variety of factors.

Lithium battery shippers can train to ship lithium batteries safely in compliance with Federal and international regulations on Lion.com with the Shipping Lithium Batteries webinar and online course and get the Lithium Battery Safety online course at no additional cost.

Tags: lithium batteries, lithium battery fire, Lithium battery safety