5,000 Lithium-Ion Battery Fires a Year: How to Keep Your Business Off the List

It only takes one lithium-ion battery fire to bring your business to its knees.

These typically harmless power sources — found in delivery vehicles, e-bikes and heavy machinery — hide a dangerous secret: when they fail, they don’t just spark trouble. They ignite disasters.

In a five-year study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 25,000 lithium-ion battery fires were reported — an average of 5,000 fires annually. The financial stakes are staggering: the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) pegs the yearly cost of commercial fires in the U.S. at $15.9 billion. For many businesses, a single overnight fire could result in catastrophic losses. What would such an incident mean for your operation?

The danger is only intensifying. With global demand for lithium-ion batteries projected to skyrocket nearly seven-fold by 2030, the probability of these catastrophic incidents grows with it. Are you prepared to manage these hidden hazards lurking in your workplace?

Understanding the Risks

Lithium-ion battery fires are uniquely hazardous because they are:

• Explosive: Unique gas combinations and pressure build-up mean that when a lithium battery fails, it can lead to rapid and uncontrollable fires.
• Toxic: Burning batteries emit harmful fumes that create environmental hazards, introducing health risks to employees.
• Difficult to Extinguish: These fires generate their own heat, which leads to fast spread and potential reignition.
• Deceptively Unpredictable: The enclosed design of lithium-ion batteries masks potential failures, leaving little warning before catastrophic failure.

Every step of handling and charging these batteries has the potential to introduce vulnerabilities. Physical damage, overcharging, overheating or using improper charging equipment can spark thermal runaway — a chain reaction that spreads rapidly and is nearly impossible to stop.

A Safer Solution: The Phoenix Safe Battery Commander Battery-Charging Safes

For businesses that rely on lithium-ion batteries, prevention is critical. Phoenix Safe’s Battery Commander Battery-Charging Safes provide a cutting-edge solution for mitigating these risks, combining fire-resistant storage and secure charging capabilities.

Key Features of the Battery Commander Series:

• Fire Resistance: Our safes are built with double-walled steel construction to contain fires inside the safe and protect the contents from fires outside the safe — providing the best protection from any fire incident.
• Integrated Charging Capabilities: This allows for safe, secure charging, reducing the risk of overheating or short-circuiting — keeping your batteries ready for use.
• Temperature Control: Regulated internal temperatures prevent dangerous heat build-up that can trigger a battery failure.
• Security Measures: Lockable doors provide controlled access, safeguarding batteries from unauthorized handling or theft.
• Adaptability: Our safes are designed for a range of industries, from warehouses and factories to local restaurants and golf courses.

The Battery Commander Battery-Charging Safe is built not just to store lithium-ion batteries but to actively protect your business from the dangers their failure could present.

The Cost of Prevention vs. Recovery

Investing in fire-safe storage solutions like the Battery Commander isn’t just about safety — it’s about cost savings. The financial impact of a single battery fire can be staggering, including:

• Loss of inventory, equipment and infrastructure
• Extended operational downtime and lost productivity
• Increased insurance premiums and lengthy claims processes

Compared to the cost of recovery, the Battery Commander represents a small, proactive investment that can save businesses millions in potential losses.

Take Action Today

If lithium-ion batteries are a critical part of your business, their risks cannot be ignored. Protecting your business, employees and assets is paramount. With the Phoenix Safe Battery Commander Series, you can confidently reduce the risk of devastating fires and ensure safe, efficient operations.

It only takes one battery fire to devastate your business. Don’t let that fire be yours. Learn more about the Battery Commander Series and take the first step toward safeguarding your operations today by visiting PhoenixSafeUSA.com.