MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — A garage fire in Machesney Park this month, caused by a lithium-ion battery, is serving as a warning to homeowners about the dangers associated with these power sources. North Park officials state that lithium-ion batteries, found in everyday devices, can quickly become dangerous if damaged or not stored properly.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology reports that lithium-ion battery fires are increasing by 10% per year. “Lithium-ion is the new standard for batteries; they are in your phones, your computers, any working tool. It’s the new standard. They’re the latest and greatest of batteries, so that’s kind of what everything runs on anymore,” said Deput Chief, Andy Schroeder.
Officials note that this fire serves as a reminder for individuals to take precautions when using lithium-ion batteries. Deputy Chief Andy Schroeder of North Park Fire described the unique and dangerous nature of these fires. “When a lithium-ion battery fails, it does what’s called thermal runaway, which means the heat from it creates more heat. So, it’s just constantly creating more heat on that,” Schroeder said. “And then on top of that when you put water on it, it creates hydrogen gas which is a very flammable gas. So, as it’s putting that gas out, it’s creating more fire.”…