Sixty-six fires.
That’s how many times in 2024 Phoenix firefighters arrived at a scene, traced the charred remains back to a lithium-ion battery, and saw firsthand the damage these fires can unleash, according to Phoenix.gov.
And that’s just in one city.
If you own property in Maricopa or Yavapai County, it’s time to take this risk seriously.
These fires don’t start like ordinary ones.
Lithium battery fires don’t smolder gently, giving you time to react.
They explode, fast and furious, and are nearly impossible to put out with water.
One faulty battery in a storage closet or even tucked under a couch cushion can turn into a full-blown catastrophe before you even smell smoke.
Let’s talk about why lithium battery fires are on the rise, and more importantly, how to stop them before they start.
Why Lithium Battery Fires Are Increasing
Essentially, everything you own has a rechargeable battery these days, including:
- Phones
- Laptops
- E-bikes
- Power tools
- Some lawnmowers
The convenience is undeniable, but more lithium-ion batteries in circulation means more chances for something to go wrong.
Arizona’s heat doesn’t help.
Lithium batteries already operate under delicate conditions, and when temperatures rise, their internal chemistry becomes unstable.
Too many people stash old or damaged batteries in junk drawers or in piles of miscellaneous cables, not realizing they’ve created a ticking time bomb.
Overcharging or exposure to extreme heat can push a battery past its breaking point, leading to a runaway reaction that’s nearly impossible to stop once it starts.
How Lithium Battery Fires Start
Regular fires don’t terrify firefighters quite like lithium battery fires do.
That’s because these fires don’t behave like the ones you can smother with a wet towel or douse with a fire extinguisher.
Once a lithium battery fails, through:
- Overheating
- Physical damage
- A manufacturing defect
It can enter a process called thermal runaway.
In simple terms, the battery generates so much heat that it keeps feeding itself, igniting surrounding materials and releasing flammable gases that cause explosive flare-ups.
This is why lithium battery fires spread so quickly and why water (which can make the situation worse) is completely ineffective at putting them out.
For homeowners and property managers in Arizona, that means one thing: prevention is everything.
Fire Prevention Strategies: How to Lower the Risk
The best way to deal with a lithium battery fire is to never have one in the first place.
Here’s how to make sure your home or business stays safe:
1. Safe Charging Habits
Plugging in your phone overnight might seem harmless, but overcharging wears down batteries and increases the risk of failure.
Unplug devices once they’re fully charged, and avoid using cheap, off-brand chargers that don’t regulate power properly.
2. Proper Storage
Heat and lithium batteries don’t mix.
Store batteries in a cool, dry place, away from:
- Direct sunlight
- Heaters
- Flammable materials
If you have spare batteries, keep them in a fire-resistant container, not tossed in a drawer where they could short-circuit.
3. Regular Inspections
A swollen or leaking battery isn’t something to ignore.
If a battery looks damaged, stops holding a charge, or feels excessively hot while in use, dispose of it immediately (safely, of course, never throw it in the trash).
Most cities have designated drop-off points for hazardous battery waste.
4. Certified Equipment
Counterfeit chargers and knock-off batteries might save you a few bucks, but they aren’t worth the risk.
Always use manufacturer-approved products to prevent overheating and electrical malfunctions.
Handling Battery Fires: What to Do If It Happens
You’re at home or managing a property and suddenly a device or battery pack starts smoking.
Within seconds, flames erupt, and the fire spreads at an alarming rate.
Your first instinct might be to grab a bucket of water, but don’t.
Unlike ordinary fires, lithium battery fires react violently to water, making the situation worse.
Here’s what to do instead:
1. Evacuate First, Then Call for Help
Lithium battery fires burn hot and fast.
If a battery catches fire, get everyone out of the area immediately and call 911.
Fires fueled by lithium batteries release toxic fumes, so staying close can be dangerous.
2. Use the Right Fire Extinguisher
If the fire is small and contained, a Class D fire extinguisher (designed for metal fires) or a lithium-ion-specific fire extinguisher can help.
These work by cooling the fire and preventing re-ignition.
No extinguisher on hand?
Sand, baking soda, or a fire blanket can also smother the flames, but only attempt this if it’s safe to do so.
3. Never Try to Move a Burning Battery
A lithium battery in thermal runaway is unpredictable.
Moving it can cause it to explode or spread the fire further. If the fire is in a device, unplug it if possible, but never touch it once it starts overheating.
Once the fire is out, don’t assume the danger is over.
Lithium batteries can reignite hours later, so professionals should handle disposal.
Fire Risk Management in Protecting Properties
Most lithium battery fires don’t happen out of nowhere.
They build up from small, preventable mistakes.
For property owners and managers in Maricopa and Yavapai counties, investing in fire risk management is essential.
1. Prevention Saves Money, Time, and Lives
A single battery fire can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage–not to mention the risk to the people inside.
Having a fire prevention strategy in place helps protect your investment before disaster strikes.
2. Work with Certified Fire Protection Services
Not all fire safety systems are created equal.
From installing the right fire extinguishers to ensuring proper smoke and heat detection, working with licensed professionals can help you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.
3. Make Fire Safety a Routine, Not an Afterthought
Fires don’t wait for inspections.
Property owners should:
- Schedule regular fire safety audits
- Train staff or tenants on proper battery handling
- Keep emergency plans up to date
Stay Protected: Prevent Lithium Battery Fires Before They Start
Lithium battery fires are a growing threat, but prevention is in your hands.
For property owners in Maricopa and Yavapai counties, working with fire safety experts ensures compliance, preparedness, and peace of mind.
Certizona Fire & Safety, the #1 certified fire protection service in Phoenix, offers expert inspections, fire suppression solutions, and 24-hour monitoring.
Stay ahead of fire risks.
Request a quote today and protect your property with trusted, reliable service.
Looking for a Fire Equipment Service Company in Peoria?
Trust Certizona Fire & Safety for reliable fire protection and equipment services throughout Arizona. Our experienced team ensures your fire safety equipment is inspected, maintained, and ready for any emergency.
Call (623) 227-2092 or request an online quote today!
