Austin, TEXAS – The Austin Fire Department is warning residents about an increase in lithium-ion battery-related fires as the summer season begins, urging the public to follow safe charging and storage practices.
Officials said lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in power tools, lawn equipment, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-cigarettes, and other everyday devices, are becoming a growing fire risk when not used or stored properly.
Fire officials emphasized that batteries should always be charged safely and monitored for warning signs of damage or malfunction.
The department advised residents to store e-bikes, e-scooters, and batteries in dry, well-ventilated areas and to avoid placing them in escape routes or blocking exits.
Residents were also warned not to use batteries that show signs of failure, including unusual odors, overheating, discoloration, swelling, leaking, smoking, or failure to hold a charge.
Officials said only manufacturer-provided charging cables should be used, and devices should be unplugged once fully charged.
The fire department also recommended charging power tools and lawn equipment outdoors on flat, dry surfaces to reduce risk.
Additionally, officials stressed that lithium-ion batteries should never be disposed of in regular household trash due to fire hazards.
The Austin Fire Department said the warning comes as a recent spike in battery-related incidents has been reported, and encouraged residents to take precautions to prevent fires during the busy summer season.
