Groton Fire Department Responds to Fire Caused by Lithium-Ion Battery Explosion

GROTON — Fire Chief Arthur Cheeks reports that the Groton Fire Department responded to and extinguished a fire Thursday afternoon that started in a home after lithium-ion batteries reportedly exploded. 

At about 1:39 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, Groton Fire responded to a reported structure fire at Nashua Road after a resident reported lithium-ion batteries had exploded. The resident reported smoke and flames in the home, originating in the bedroom. 

Groton Fire Engine 2, a three-firefighter team consisting of Chief Cheeks himself, a deputy chief, and a driver/ operator, responded to the initial dispatch. Residents had already evacuated the home prior to their arrival due to working smoke detectors alerting them of the flames. 

Due to low staffing numbers and a lack of fire hydrants in the area, a second alarm was struck to bring additional personnel and outside mutual aid to the scene. 

While the flames were put out prior to the Department’s arrival, crews removed the batteries and the charger from the home and wet them down, and ventilated the smoke from the home. Groton Fire Engine 3 with additional town firefighters later arrived on scene to assist in overhaul and cleanup operations. 

No injuries were reported. 

“Incidents like these can quickly become challenging for Groton Fire when we respond to areas with limited fire hydrant access with an initial response team of three crew members,” said Chief Cheeks. “Thankfully, the diligent work of our firefighters, and the presence working smoke alarms in the home, allowed us to do our job efficiently and prevent the fire from spreading and causing severe damage to the home.”

In light of this incident, the Groton Fire Department would like to remind residents of the following safety tips for dealing with lithium-ion batteries courtesy of https://batteryfiresafety.org/: 

• When purchasing lithium-ion battery-powered devices, look for products that are listed or safety certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to ensure they meet important safety requirements. 
• Only use the charging equipment that comes with the product. 
• Store batteries away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, exits, and anything flammable.
• Charge larger devices (such as eBikes) away from your exit path and outside your home if possible. Do not charge larger devices overnight.
• Check battery-powered devices often for damage or abuse such as swelling or punctures. Listen for unusual hissing or popping sounds. Watch out for excessive heat or a strange odor. If you notice any of these warning signs, stop using the lithium-ion battery-powered device immediately.
• Responsibly dispose of old or damaged batteries by taking them to the nearest battery recycling center. Never discard batteries, chargers, or battery-powered devices in regular trash bins.

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