Estonian Rescue Board warns of lithium-ion battery fire risks

The Estonian Rescue Board has issued a warning regarding the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires, noting that a significant portion of these incidents occur during the charging process.

In Estonia, 22 fires have been caused by batteries so far this year. The most frequent causes of battery-related building fires and safety incidents involve battery-powered transport devices, such as electric scooters, electric bicycles, hoverboards, and electric surfboards. Other common sources include batteries in various power tools like drills and saws.

Safety experts highlight that lithium-ion battery fires can be explosive, toxic, and extremely difficult to extinguish. A major risk is that chemical reactions within the battery can continue even after flames are suppressed, potentially causing the battery to reignite. Additionally, these fires release toxic gases and smoke that pose serious health risks.

To mitigate these risks, authorities recommend using devices with CE marking from reliable manufacturers, strictly following product usage and charging instructions, avoiding unauthorized modifications to battery solutions, and regularly inspecting equipment for mechanical damage.