PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Portland fire officials are urging caution after lithium ion batteries reportedly caused two structure fires and displaced multiple residents Thursday.
The first incident occurred just before 7 a.m. in Southwest Portland home and the second happened just before midnight in a Southeast Portland apartment complex. Officials say both fires caused extensive damage and displaced eleven residents total.
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According to Portland Fire and Rescue, the fires were the result of a thermal runway in the batteries, which happens when an encased battery cell heats up faster than it can cool down. This can result in high heat, explosions and fires.
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Officials say lithium ion batteries caused two separate fires in Portland on Sept. 12, 2024. (Courtesy: Portland Fire & Rescue) -
Officials say lithium ion batteries caused two separate fires in Portland on Sept. 12, 2024. (Courtesy: Portland Fire & Rescue) -
Officials say lithium ion batteries caused two separate fires in Portland on Sept. 12, 2024. (Courtesy: Portland Fire & Rescue) -
Officials say lithium ion batteries caused two separate fires in Portland on Sept. 12, 2024. (Courtesy: Portland Fire & Rescue) -
Officials say lithium ion batteries caused two separate fires in Portland on Sept. 12, 2024. (Courtesy: Portland Fire & Rescue) -
Officials say lithium ion batteries caused two separate fires in Portland on Sept. 12, 2024. (Courtesy: Portland Fire & Rescue)
