CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Massachusetts fire departments have reported nearly a dozen lithium-ion battery fires so far this month, prompting renewed warnings about the dangers posed by damaged or defective batteries.
Officials say lithium-ion batteries can overheat, explode, and ignite nearby materials, creating fast-moving fires that are difficult to extinguish. The batteries power many everyday devices, including cell phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, and scooters.
Lithium-ion batteries carry a significant risk due to their high energy density, allowing them to store a large amount of power in a compact design. When these batteries malfunction or are compromised, they have the potential to explode or combust…