Lithium-ion batteries: Massive plant fire and numerous recalls highlight safety risks

These batteries are prone to ignition when charging, in use or even in an idle state if they are defective or not properly taken care of.

Tyler Lastovich via Unsplash | Unsplash.com

On Jan. 17, a fire broke out at the world’s largest lithium-ion battery storage facility in Moss Landing, Calif. According to fire officials, the incident destroyed 80% of the Vistra Energy lithium battery plant and its batteries forced 1,500 residents to evacuate the area and caused health officials to worry about hazardous gases affecting local air quality. 

Given that this plant was the largest of its kind in the world, the fire is especially concerning given how many batteries ignited. This massive event highlights something we already know about lithium-ion batteries: When they catch fire, they really catch fire. 

Lithium-ion batteries are being used more frequently in our electric devices: large items from electric vehicles to lawnmowers, and compact items from speakers to portable chargers. However, they are not without risk: These batteries are prone to ignition when charging, in use or even in an idle state if they are not properly taken care of or are defective. In 2023, the New York City Fire Department responded to 268 fires involving lithium-ion batteries causing 150 injuries and 18 deaths. 

It’s essential to be informed about which products have lithium-ion batteries, which brands to trust and how to properly maintain a lithium-ion battery product if you choose to buy one. 

For some products, the risk associated with a lithium-ion battery is due to improper handling. The University of Michigan published guidelines for lithium-ion battery maintenance in 2020 that some consumers may not know about or follow, such as avoiding allowing the battery to charge for too long. Experts have stated that lithium-ion batteries are  “normally safe” as long as they’re properly cared for, meaning that the responsibility falls on consumers to use them correctly. 

In other cases, the battery is flawed from the get-go and the company has to issue a recall. A high-profile case involving suspected defective batteries happened in 2016 when the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was voluntarily recalled after at least 92 instances of the lithium-ion battery overheating. Among the reports: 26 burn injuries and 55 property damage reports, including fires in cars and a garage. The recall affected about 1 million phones

During 2024, we saw 21 recalls of products announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission because of these flammable batteries. In 14 of those cases, people were injured or property was damaged, and two of the products, a power station and a rechargeable light, were linked to deaths from ensuing fires. Frequently recalled products in 2024: portable chargers, lithium-ion battery chargers, electric utlity vehicles and home products such as speakers, coolers and portable lights. The portable light recall was even bigger than the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recall of 2016, affecting about 1.2 million units. 

This wide range of products serves as a yellow light to consumers: Check what you’re buying, where you’re buying it from and what it contains. 

So what do we do to stay safe around lithium-ion batteries? 

First, exercise caution when choosing what products to purchase. Several of these recalls were from well known companies such as Costco and Amazon, demonstrating that even a popular seller is not immune to problems. However, buy only batteries that have been tested by a nationally recognized lab

If you do choose to purchase a product containing a lithium-ion battery, begin by reading the guidelines for maintenance. It’s essential to keep following these guidelines for the entire lifecycle of the product.

Other tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

  • This is a big one mentioned above: Stop charging a battery once it’s fully charged. Allowing it to continue charging can cause it to overheat.
  • Charge e-bikes, e-scooters, utility vehicles and electric vehicles outdoors but not in direct sunlight and, if possible, away from garages, homes, etc.
  • Charge batteries only on compatible chargers. Better yet, use only the charger that came with the product.
  • Don’t store batteries in places that can get extremely hot or extremely cold, such as a garage or vehicle. This is the reason lithium-ion batteries aren’t allowed in checked luggage on airplanes – they can overheat and cause a fire. In addition, the low pressure of a plane cargo hold can cause lithium-ion batteries to explode.
  • Check out your batteries and products occasionally for any signs of damage and don’t use them if you’re not sure.
  • Don’t use batteries or products that contain lithium-ion batteries if there’s something odd: A product or battery that’s super hot, smells bad, makes popping sounds or seems swollen or deformed.
  • Don’t discard lithium batteries or products that contain them in regular household trash or recycling containers because they can cause fires on trash trucks, or in recycling centers and landfills. Check in your community for places to take hazardous household waste. In some cities, stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply accept lithium batteries for recycling.
  • Don’t store batteries in areas that would block the exit out of a room or house, in case there is a fire.

While the Vistra plant fire serves as a topical warning on a national scale, it’s important to remember that these fires can occur right in your own home. Back in 2021, a 51-year-old consumer reported an 18-volt lithium-ion battery caught fire and destroyed everything she owned and injuried her enough for her to seek medical treatment. We encourage you to read up, follow safety guidelines and make informed purchases around these products to stay safe from the hazards of lithium-ion batteries. 

Recalls in 2024 involving lithium-ion batteries

E-Bikes, January 25, 2024

Pacific Cycle Recalls E-Bikes Due to Fire Hazard | CPSC.gov

Electric bike: “Wiring harness that manages the charging of the lithium-ion battery was not properly assembled, creating a risk of overheating and fire.”

  • One injury (second-degree burns.)
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled Jan. 25, 2024.
  • 1,700 units.
  • Sold at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s.
Battery for camera, Feb. 1, 2024

Snap Recalls Lithium-Ion Battery Sold for Pixy Flying Cameras Due to Fire Hazard | CPSC.gov

Pocket-sized flying camera: “Lithium-ion battery in the camera can overheat posing a fire hazard.” (Not specified whether it’s while charging or in use).

  • One minor fire, one injury.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled Feb. 1, 2024.
  • 71,000 units.
  • Sold online at Pixy.com and Amazon.
Vacuum, Feb. 1, 2024

BISSELL Recalls Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaners Due to Fire Hazard | CPSC.gov

Hand and floor vacuum: “Vacuum’s battery pack can overheat and smoke, posing a fire hazard.” (Company instructs consumers to deplete the charge before disposing of the battery.)

  • Three incidents of property damage, two burn injuries.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled Feb. 1, 2024.
  • 142,000 units in U.S., 14,600 units in Canada.
  • Sold at Lowe’s, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, Best Buy and online at bissell.com.
Battery-powered cooler, Mar. 7, 2024

Anker EverFrost Lithium-Ion Battery Powered Coolers Recalled Due to Battery Fire Hazard; Manufactured by Anker Innovations | CPSC.gov

Battery-powered coolers: “Lithium-ion batteries in the … coolers can overheat, posing a fire hazard.”

  • No injuries.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled March 7, 2024.
  • 5,480 units in U.S., 160 in Canada.
  • Sold at Best Buy, TD Synnex and online at kickstarter.com.
Utility vehicle, March 14, 2024

Textron Specialized Vehicles Recalls Tracker Off Road OX EV Light Utility Vehicles Due to Fire Hazard | CPSC.gov

Off-road electric vehicles: “Water can get into the lithium-ion battery pack … posing a fire hazard.”

  • No injuries.
  • Made in Augusta, GA, USA.
  • Recalled March 14, 2024.
  • 500 units.
  • Sold at Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s and off-road dealerships nationwide. Sold mostly during 2023.
Mini speakers, April 11, 2024

Yoto Recalls Yoto Mini Speakers for Children Due to Burn and Fire Hazards | CPSC.gov

Mini speakers: “Speaker’s lithium-ion battery can overheat and catch fire, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers.”
(The first recall was remedied with a new charging cable; re-announced eight months later with a full battery replacement kit after three additional incidents of overheating or melting.)

  • No injuries.
  • Made in China. 
  • Recalled April 11, 2024, 
  • 251,165 units U.S., 18,932 Canada. 
  • Sold at toy and gift stores nationwide and online at yotoplay.com, Amazon, Target, and maisonette.
  • Recall was re-announced Dec. 12, 2024 with full battery replacement kit available.
Rechargeable lights, June 6, 2024

Good Earth Lighting Recalls More than 1.2 Million Rechargeable Integrated Lights to Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; One Death Reported | CPSC.gov

Rechargeable integrated lights: “Light’s battery can overheat and ignite the light’s plastic housing, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.”

  • One death, one injury, six fires and property damage (no indication whether while in use or while charging.)
  • Made in Cambodia and China.
  • Recalled June 6, 2024.
  • >1.2 million units in U.S., 37,800 in Canada. 
  • Sold at hardware stores nationwide including Lowe’s, Ace, Meijer and Menards), goodearthlighting.com, Amazon and QVC.
  • Sold from Oct. 2017 through Jan. 2024.
Hair clippers, June 20, 2024

StyleCraft Recalls Instinct Cordless Hair Clippers Due to Fire and Burn Hazards | CPSC.gov

Cordless hair clippers/buzzer: “Battery … can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.”

  • One minor burn injury.
  • Made in China. 
  • Recalled June 20, 2024, 
  • 50,000 in U.S., 1,320 in Canada.
  • Sold at beauty stores nationwide and online at stylecraftus.com and Amazon.
Power banks / chargers, June 20, 2024

myCharge Recalls POWER HUB All-In-One Portable Chargers Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Sold Exclusively at Costco | CPSC.gov

Portable chargers: “The recalled portable chargers can overheat while charging, posing fire and burn hazards.”

  • Two residential fires totaling $165,000 in property damage, no injuries. (120 product incidents).
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled June 20, 2024.
  • 567,000 units.
  • Sold exclusively at Costco and online at Costco.com
  • Sold from Jan. 2022 through Nov. 2023.
Power banks / chargers, June 27, 2024

Baseus Magnetic Wireless Charging Power Banks Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Imported by Shenzhen Baseus Technology | CPSC.gov

Wireless charging banks, lithium battery can overheat and cause fire (notice says stop using.)

  • 13 burn injuries, 39 fires, $20,000 in property damage.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled June 27, 2024, 132,000 units.
  • Sold online at Amazon, AliExpress.com and Baseus.com.
  • Sold from Apr. 2022 through Apr. 2024
Power banks / chargers, Aug. 29, 2024

HALO 1000 Portable Power Stations Recalled Due to Serious Fire and Burn Hazards; One Death Reported; Imported by ZAGG

Portable power/charging station: The lithium-ion batteries in the … power station can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards that can lead to serious injury or death., lithium-ion batteries can overheat and cause fire.”

  • One death from smoke inhalation, two injuries of smoke inhalation, one of which included burn injuries.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled Aug. 29, 2024, 5,740 units.
  • Sold online at ZAGG, ACG and QVC.
  • Sold Oct. 2021 through Mar. 2022.
Power banks / chargers, Oct. 17, 2024

Anker Power Banks Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Manufactured by Anker Innovations | CPSC.gov

Portable charger: “The lithium-ion battery in the power banks can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.”

  • Two injuries including first and second degree burns.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled Oct. 17, 2024.
  • 2,100 units.
  • Sold at Best Buy, Target, NEXT TRADING, C2 Wireless and K Spider and online at Amazon, eBay, walmart.com and aliexpress.com.
Power banks / chargers, Oct. 31, 2024

Humane Recalls Charge Case Accessory for Ai Pin Due to Lithium Battery Fire Hazard | CPSC.gov

Charge case for wearable device: “The Ai Pin is an AI-powered multi-modal wearable device. The charge case accessory contains a lithium polymer rechargeable battery pack that is charged via a USB-C charge port. The lithium battery in the recalled charge case accessory can overheat, posing a fire hazard.”

  • No injuries.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled Oct. 31, 2024,
  • 10,500 units.
  • Sold online at humane.com,
  • Sold Nov. 2023 through May 2024.
Battery-powered backpack sprayer, Oct. 31, 2024

Harbor Freight Tools Recalls Bauer 4-Gallon Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayers Due to Fire Hazard | CPSC.gov

Chemical sprayer backpack:  “Sprayer pump on the backpack can leak chemicals into the battery compartment and can cause the battery to overheat, posing a fire hazard.”

  • No injuries.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled Oct. 31, 2024.
  • 53,000 units.
  • Sold at Harbor Freight Tools in-store and online.
  • Sold from Mar. 2022 through Sept. 2024.
Power banks / chargers, Nov. 7, 2024

Quad Lock MAG Battery Pack Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Imported by Quad Lock | CPSC.gov

Battery packs for phones: “Battery pack in the chargers can overheat, posing a fire hazard.”

  • Two cases of property damages domestic, one international.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled Nov. 7, 2024,
  • 13,700 units in U.S., 1,580 in Canada.
  • Sold online at Amazon and quadlockcase.com.
  • Sold from Apr. 2023 to Sept. 2024.
Portable lamp, Nov. 7, 2024

Tala North America Recalls Battery Powered Portable Lamps Due to Fire Hazard | CPSC.gov

Portable lamps: “An electronic malfunction can cause the lamp’s lightbulb to fail and the lithium battery to overheat, posing a fire hazard.”

  • One property damage incident, no injuries.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled Nov. 7, 2024.
  • 5,300 units.
  • Sold online through West Elm, One Kings Lane, Lumens, Lulu & Georgia, Lightology and Anthropologie.
  • Sold Sept. 2021 through Jul. 2024.
Speaker, Dec. 5, 2024

Anker Soundcore Lithium-Ion Battery Powered Bluetooth Speakers Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com by Anker Innovations | CPSC.gov

Bluetooth speakers: “Lithium-ion batteries in the … speakers can overheat, posing a fire hazard.can overheat and cause fire.”

  • One minor burn injury.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled Dec. 5, 2024,
  • 69,000 units in U.S., 9,764 in Canada.
  • Sold exclusively online on Amazon.
  • Sold from Mar. 2023 to Oct. 2023.
Smart watch charger, Dec. 5, 2024

Belkin Recalls Portable Wireless Battery Chargers for Smart Watches Due to Fire Hazard | CPSC.gov

Portable wireless charger: “Lthium-ion batteries in the recalled power banks can overheat, posing a fire hazard.”

  • One report of property damage, a house fire.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled Dec. 5, 2024,
  • 4,000 units U.S., 62 Canada.
  • Sold online on Amazon and belkin.com.
  • Sold from May 2023 to Jun. 2024.
Power banks / chargers, Dec. 12, 2024

HTRC C240 Battery Chargers Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Risk of Serious Injury and Death; Manufactured by Shenzhen Haitan Technology Co. | CPSC.gov

Lithium battery charger: “Chargers can ignite or cause a connected battery to ignite, posing fire and burn hazards and risk of serious injury and death.”

  • Five reports of significant property damage, one injury.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled Dec. 12, 2024,
  • 34,600 units.
  • Sold online only, at aliexpress.com, Amazon, ebay, banggood.com, htrc-direct.com and rcgoing.com.
  • Sold from Dec. 2017 through Jun. 2024.
Batteries for lawnmowers, outdoor tools, Dec. 19, 2024

Chervon North America Recalls SKIL 40V 5.0Ah Lithium-Ion Batteries for SKIL Lawnmowers and Outdoor Tools Due to Fire and Burn Hazard | CPSC.gov

Lithium batteries for outdoor tools: “Batteries can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.”

  • Eight minor burn injuries and/or smoke inhalations (reports were from in use in lawnmowers, outdoor tools.)
  • 49 reports of property damage.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled Dec. 19, 2024.
  • 63,000 units in U.S., 359 in Canada.
  • Sold at Lowe’s and other hardware stores, online at Lowe’s, Amazon and Walmart
  • Sold from Oct. 2019 through Dec. 2024.
Power banks / chargers, Dec. 19, 2024

Charmast Power Banks Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Sold by Charmast Exclusively on Amazon.com | CPSC.gov

Portable power banks/chargers:  “The lithium-ion battery in the recalled power banks can overheat and ignite, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.”

  • 44 reports of the recalled power banks expanding, igniting, melting, overheating or smoking, four reports of burns or blisters.
  • Made in China.
  • Recalled Dec. 19, 2024,
  • 488,000 units.
  • Sold online by Charmast on Amazon.com.
  • Sold from Dec. 2018 to Sept. 2024.

 

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Stanton Cope

Consumer Watchdog, Associate, U.S. PIRG Education Fund

Stanton supports Consumer Watchdog's ongoing work on scams, product safety, food safety, and airline passenger protections. Stanton lives in Chicago where he tries new coffee shops, goes to the symphony, and enjoys forest preserves.