Name: Colorado fires caused by lithium-ion batteries becoming more common
Uploaded: 2025-12-30T16:43:27.441Z
Duration: 3 min 11 s
Description: Lithium-ion battery fires are becoming more common, Colorado first responders tell Denver7.

Lithium-ion battery fires are becoming more common, Colorado first responders tell Denver7.

Denver

Fire departments across Colorado are reporting a growing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in devices such as phones, laptops, and power tools. Recent incidents in the Denver metro area, including a Lakewood house fire and a Douglas County garage fire, have been linked to overheated or improperly charged batteries.

Officials emphasize the importance of using manufacturer-approved chargers, avoiding overcharging, and regularly inspecting batteries for damage. Data from the Federal Aviation Administration also shows a significant increase in lithium-ion battery incidents during air travel, with hundreds of cases involving fire, smoke, or extreme heat recorded in recent years.

Colorado fires caused by lithium-ion batteries becoming more common

Local first responders say fires caused by lithium ion batteries are becoming more common. In fact, West Metro fire says an overheated battery was likely cause of this Lakewood house fire over the weekend. Now, lithium ion batteries are found in so many things, phones, laptops, power tools and they can become dangerous if they're damaged or improperly charged. Even Denver sevens Maggie brian spoke with fire officials about the steps you can take to keep your family safe. Different fires in the Denver Metro, all with a common factor, lithium ion batteries. South Metro fire says a Douglas County garage fire this month involved a hybrid vehicle. This september fire in Jefferson County caused by overcharging devices, including an e bike. And most recently a Lakewood family left with nothing after a house fire two days after Christmas. West Metro fire says a cell phone left on a charger was likely the cause as the lithium ion battery in the phone overheated, igniting items around it. It's can't even imagine. Diane Declos lives just next door. I grabbed my phone and called 911 immediately and then kind of watched it just escalate from there. It was pretty scary and that buyer picked up really quickly. Flames spreading fast, a characteristic of these fires that West Metro fire Captain Dan Wenger says is concerning, especially because these batteries are now so commonly used. We see them in our cell phones, in portable power tools, in tablets, laptops, even our vehicles. He says the key is to make sure you're properly charging devices that have lithium ion batteries. That means making sure you're not overcharging though and using chargers that are meant for your device and are from the same manufacturer. You're gonna see a lot of aftermarket third party vendors who will offer something, especially for a really good price. Um, and it's and it's important to know that those were not necessarily made to interact with your device specifically, and that can cause a problem with the battery when it's charging. He says you should also regularly check batteries for visible damage, especially if you dropped it and charge devices on non flammable surfaces. Avoid charging a device like a phone in your bed under covers, under your pillow, those types of places. So I never leave the phone unattended generally. No, when it's charging, when it's charging. Yeah, Diane says this fire next door was a wake up call. I try to be mindful already, but uh, I will, this will definitely always be in my mind in Lakewood. I'm Maggie Bryan, Denver seven and lithium batteries are also causing problems in air travel. According to data from the F. A. A. incidents involving lithium ion batteries have more than doubled since 2016. So from March 06 through the end of November of this year, there were 678 lithium battery incidents involving fire, smoke or extreme heat. More than 260 caused by a battery pack. The second leading cause vape and e cigarettes, 144 incidents with those in the F. A. A. Confirmed at least 80 incidents this year involving lithium batteries.

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