Cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices are expected to be popular gifts this Christmas. The Midland Fire Department is highlighting the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries found in these devices.
According to the department, if not handled properly, devices containing lithium-ion batteries can catch fire or explode if they become damaged or overheated. "There's a good chance gifts exchanged this season have lithium-ion batteries which may pose a fire risk," the Midland Fire Department wrote on X. They advise consumers to "stay fire safe and don't overcharge, use mismatched chargers, homemade batteries, or aftermarket replacements. Make the holidays happy with working smoke alarms!"
The International Energy Agency reports that the demand for lithium batteries doubled between 2020 and 2022. These batteries are crucial for powering electronics such as handheld devices and remote control vehicles. They also power electric vehicles like children's cars, hoverboards, e-bikes, and scooters.
The National Fire Protection Agency states that lithium-ion batteries are particularly flammable due to their ability to store a large amount of energy in a compact space. If this energy is released unexpectedly, it can generate significant heat and turn parts of the battery into flammable gas.