Lithium-Ion Batteries Spark Growing Fire Concern

When most people think of household fire hazards, they picture candles, space heaters or faulty wiring.

But this year’s Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 5-11) message shines a spotlight on a newer — and increasingly common — risk: lithium-ion batteries.

These batteries, which were developed in the 1970s but didn’t hit the commercial market until the early ’90s, power everything from smartphones, laptops and power tools to e-bikes and electric vehicles.