Rechargeable batteries have sparked 6 fires in SLO this year. How to stay safe
Did you know lithium-ion batteries can start a house fire?
These batteries are found in everything from laptops and cellphones to e-bikes and electric cars — and can quickly transform from useful technology to fire starters, according to Cal Fire SLO
So far in 2025, six fires have sparked in San Luis Obispo due to lithium-ion battery failures, the San Luis Obispo Fire Department’s emergency manager Joe Little told The Tribune.
Cal Fire is observing Fire Prevention Week — running through Saturday, Oct. 11 — by sharing safety tips on how to buy, charge and recycle these batteries, the agency said in a recent news release.
“Simple steps like charging devices on a hard surface, unplugging them once fully charged, and buying only certified products can make a big difference,” Cal Fire SLO public information officer Ryan Grebe said in a Oct. 5 news release. “Being proactive now is key to preventing dangerous battery fires later.”
Here’s how to safely store lithium-ion batteries in your home:
What are lithium-ion batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are a class of rechargeable batteries, according to Marcus Dunlap, co-leader for SLO County’s regional harzardous materials response team.
These small, light batteries are widely used in many household items, including electronics, toys, headphones, power tools, electric vehicles and appliances, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“If not properly managed at the end of their useful life, they can cause harm to human health or the environment,” the agency said.
The batteries have surged in popularity due to their recharging abilities, energy density and light weight, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Lithium-ion batteries can store a high amount of energy in a very limited amount of space, the EPA said, making them a useful power source for tons of products in daily life.
“This miniaturization has allowed for a rapid increase in the consumer adoption of smaller portable and cordless products,” the EPA said on its website.
It’s likely that nearly every rechargable item in your home uses this type of battery, the National Fire Protection Agency said.
How do lithium-ion batteries start fires?
Lithium-ion batteries hold a large amount of energy in a tiny place.
If the batteries overheat or are overcharged or damaged, the battery can smoke, spark or even explode, according to the National Fire Protection Agency.
“When they’re becoming abnormally hot, that’s a telltale (sign),” Little said. “If there’s an odd smell, if they’re swollen, those are the really the big ones.”
If the product is making a strange noise, changing shape or leaking, that can also indicate the battery is failing, according to Little.
If products with lithium-ion batteries are discharging heat, actively smoking or on fire, you should back away and call 911, he said.
“There’s no reason to try to handle it because the heat that’s produced,” Little said. “It’s really, really, really hot and can burn you.”
The batteries can also be difficult to extinguish with traditional firefighting methods, and can even keep burning when they are underwater, Dunlap said.
Safety tips for storing lithium-ion batteries
There are several steps you can take to prevent lithium-ion batteries from sparking a fire in your home.
Dunlap and Little urged people to not buy inexpensive cables or battery products from online retailers that are not produced by the original manufacturer. For example, don’t use a charging cable for an iPhone that hasn’t been made by Apple.
“We don’t want to buy the cheapest thing possible,” Little said. “We want to make sure that they’ve gone through some kind of certification, that they’re not going to be hazardous.”
Here are other actions you can take to safely store items with lithium-ion batteries, according to Cal Fire SLO.
- Only buy lithium-ion battery products if they have recognized safety marks such as UL, ETL, or CSA.
- Use the original cable from the manufacturer to charge items with lithium-ion batteries
- Always follow the instructions from the manufacturer
- Charge items on a hard, flat surface
- Never charge products with lithium-ion batteries on beds, couches or under pillows
- Make sure to unplug devices or remove the battery once its fully charged
- Immediately stop using the battery if you detect heat, swelling, discoloration, odd odors or noises
How do I recycle lithium-ion batteries?
You should never toss lithium-ion batteries in your household trash can or recycling bin, according to Cal Fire SLO.
Batteries that are no longer holding a charge can be put in collection bins for lithium-ion batteries at large box stores including Home Depot and Lowe’s, Dunlap told The Tribune.
You can also take your old lithium-ion batteries to a local landfill on days when household hazardous waste is being collected, he said.
Go to call2recycle.org to find a safe disposal site near where you live.
This story was originally published October 9, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article listed the wrong title for Joe Little. He is the San Luis Obispo Fire Department’s emergency manager. The error has been corrected.
