Search

2025 Starts with Lithium Battery Fires on Both Coasts

Posted on 1/27/2025 by Lion Technology Inc.

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.


2025 Starts with Lithium Battery Fires on Both Coasts

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

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Knowing why TSDFs reject loads of hazardous waste—and the exact steps to follow if it happens—can reduce your anxiety and uncertainty about rejection.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.