CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Canton Township family is warning others about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries after their e-scooter sparked a fire that damaged their home.
Ronza Qaimari had left two electric scooters near her garage’s trash cans when a neighbor made a frightening discovery.
“Hey, your house is on fire,” Qaimari recalled the neighbor saying. “Looked out the window to come to find out the scooter battery from the heat caused a fire and literally lit our whole backyard up.”
The incident highlights the growing concerns about lithium-ion battery safety, which will be the central theme of Fire Prevention Week, running October 5-11.
“A minute longer would have penetrated both the windows, and that’s when it would have went into the garage, hit the propane tanks,” said Adam Qaimari, describing how close the family came to a potential catastrophe. “The fire would have engulfed the whole inside of the garage and went upstairs. It would have been bad.”
Lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous in modern life, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and e-bikes. While these batteries are generally safe when properly used, they can pose significant risks if damaged or improperly maintained.
“Lithium-ion batteries, they’re a great product. I have them in my house,” said Farmington Hills Fire Marshal Jason Baloga. “They’re so convenient now because they store a large amount of energy in a small space. It is uncommon, but we do see it if they’re damaged or abused, that there is a failure. And when there’s a failure with that much energy stored in a small space, the damage is catastrophic and very quick.”
Baloga recommends several key safety measures for consumers:
- Purchase only name-brand products, avoiding off-brand alternatives
- Look for the UL certification mark on packaging, products, or online listings
- Use only matching batteries and charging cords designed for specific devices
- Avoid mixing and matching components
Last year, a fire investigation in Farmington Hills led to a nationwide recall of a lithium-ion power bank. After Fire Marshal Baloga reported the incident to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, their investigation revealed the product was connected to 39 reported fires across the country.
The Qaimaris now caution others about e-scooter ownership. “Preferably don’t own them,” Ronza Qaimari advised. “I guess if you do, keep an eye on the battery.”
Adam Qaimari added specific precautions: “Don’t leave it on overnight, and do not leave it sitting out excessively in the heat.”
You can learn more about lithium-ion battery safety here.
Additionally, join us at our next Go 4 it event, “Be Fire Safe,” to learn fire safety and how to reduce the chances of a fire starting in your home.
We’ve partnered with the Farmington Hills Fire Department and the City of Farmington Hills to offer free training on Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hawk - the City of Farmington Hills’ Recreation and Arts Venue.
The training sessions last about 30 minutes each. During those sessions, you’ll discover the hidden fire dangers in your home, learn how to make an escape plan for your family and your pets, learn how to check your smoke alarms, and learn how to handle all the lithium-ion batteries in your home to prevent fires.