Lithium-ion batteries cause fire at Berkeley apartment building
"They have been pretty prolific about starting fires for us in the last couple years, the Berkeley Fire Department said.
Lithium-ion batteries appear to have started a fire in a Berkeley apartment building over the weekend, authorities report.
One person was displaced, the Berkeley Fire Department said. No injuries were reported.
BFD initially responded to a fire alarm shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday at Hearst Avenue and Spruce Street in North Berkeley.
A witness reported black smoke in the hallway on the first floor of the building where the alarm was sounding.
Berkeley firefighters at Hearst Avenue and Spruce Street over the weekend. Scanner Insider
Authorities evacuated the building which, according to authorities and online listings, has about 40 units spread over three floors.
Firefighters put out the fire "pretty quickly" and determined that lithium-ion batteries likely caused the blaze, said BFD Battalion Chief Brian Harryman.
"They have been pretty prolific about starting fires for us in the last couple years,
Harryman said. "They can be incredibly tough to put out."
The damage was isolated to a single apartment, BFD said.
Residents were allowed to return home after BFD determined that the building was safe.
"Overcharging, heating up and causing fires"
BFD strongly discourages anyone from charging lithium-ion batteries inside their homes, Harryman told TBS previously.
Even outside, they should not be left unattended.
"Don't plug them in and leave for the day or leave them for the weekend," BFD said previously. "These things are overcharging, heating up and causing fires. If you are going to charge it, remain home with it and don't charge it inside."
In June 2023, the city of Berkeley announced that six recent fires had been caused by unattended lithium battery charging.
"These local battery fires — involving e-skateboards, e-scooters, and at least one e-bike — have also been seen around the region and nation," the city wrote.
The city also noted that fires could "occur spontaneously while charging" and advised anyone noticing signs of fire, such as smoke, gas and sparks, to evacuate the area and immediately call 911.
Lithium battery safety tips from the city of Berkeley
- Only use the original manufacturers’ chargers, batteries and replacements
- Charge only until the battery is full, then disconnect
- Keep the battery away from heat, cold and flammable items while charging and storing
- Discard distressed batteries (those that are swollen, dented or otherwise damaged) at a drop-off site — not in your garbage can
The ClimateAction Center also has a great roundup of lithium-ion battery safety tips as does the National Fire Protection Association.
Read more about lithium-ion battery fires from Berkeley Lab.
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Emilie Raguso
