The Durham Fire Department is raising awareness about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries as part of Fire Prevention Week.
Used in everyday items like phones, e-bikes, power tools and toys, lithium-ion batteries can pose serious fire risks when damaged, overcharged or disposed of improperly. These batteries should be recycled, never put in household trash.
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Durham Fire Chief Robert Zoldos said the batteries have become a more common fire hazard over time.
“What we are really concerned about as a fire department is how they are disposed of at the end of their life,” he said. “If not, it can lead to some very bad circumstances.”
The Durham Fire Department has responded to two fires in city solid waste trucks since June, both caused by lithium batteries that were thrown in the trash.
The problem extends beyond Durham.
In Raleigh, lithium batteries have been linked to about a dozen fires in the past year.
National data from the EPA found 245 lithium-related fires in waste facilities over seven years. The Consumer Product Safety Commission also reported more than 200 fires or overheating incidents involving e-scooters, hoverboards and e-bikes from 2021 to 2022, resulting in at least 19 deaths.
To reduce the risk of battery-related fires, Durham fire officials recommend:
- Charge devices safely, using only the charger provided and keeping devices on hard, non-flammable surfaces.
- Buy certified products with safety listings such as UL, ETL or CSA.
- Never overcharge devices or leave them charging overnight.
- Recycle batteries properly — never toss them in household trash or curbside bins.
Both Wake and Durham counties offer locations where batteries and other dangerous items, like paint, electronics, mattresses or household construction debris can be dropped off.
To raise awareness, the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal will host a live fire demonstration on Tuesday at Wilson Fire/Rescue Services. The event will show how quickly a damaged lithium-ion battery can ignite under real-life conditions.
