Lithium-ion battery fires becoming much more common, fire officials say

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A small fire at an industrial building in Chula Vista has raised concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries, following a major battery storage fire in Escondido last week that forced the evacuation of hundreds of nearby businesses.

The Chula Vista fire occurred inside a building and involved a marine boat battery. Though there was little damage, fire officials warn that incidents involving smaller lithium-ion batteries are becoming much more common.

“Any fire puts off toxic gases, and the gases from a lithium-ion battery fire are even more dangerous,” said Matt Salmon, a supervising deputy fire marshal with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Salmon explained that while electric vehicle fires are often highlighted, most lithium battery incidents involve micro-mobility devices.

“In the vast majority of these fires, we’re seeing smaller devices like e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards,” Salmon said.

Recent lithium battery storage fires in Otay Mesa and Escondido have led to widespread evacuations due to concerns over toxic air concerns. The increase in battery fires has prompted the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to vote to investigate the proximity of battery storage facilities to homes. One proposed project, the 23-acre Seguro battery storage yard in Escondido, would be located near a neighborhood that would require evacuation in the event of a fire.

Salmon emphasized the need for special precautions when using any size lithium battery.

“If your device’s battery becomes damaged, compromised, or exposed to high heat, please replace it,” he said.

Jake Schwen, from Deep Cycle Battery in El Cajon, also advised consumers to avoid purchasing cheap lithium batteries, especially online.

“If you’re buying lithium, don’t go cheap. Look at the manufacturer, how long they’ve been in business, and make sure they offer a solid warranty,” Schwen said.

He recommended choosing companies that provide warranties of eight to 11 years.

Fire officials said if a battery fire occurs at home, people should not attempt to extinguish it themselves and should call 911 immediately.

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