St. Pete firefighters issue warning over lithium ion batteries ahead of gift season

Lithium-ion battery fire danger warning

FOX 13's Evan Axelbank reports on St. Pete firefighters issued warnings to those who receive holiday gifts that contain lithium-ion batteries as they can cause fires and explosions if they were to expand.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - St. Pete firefighters are warning those who receive holiday gifts that contain lithium-ion batteries to be aware of the damage they can cause from fires and explosions.

"It's heartbreaking to see somebody's life change in any way, and especially when it's something that could have been something easiest unplugging it," said St. Pete Captain Garth Swingle.

Lithium-ion batteries warning sign.

St. Pete firefighters are worried that the holidays will bring waves of snazzy gifts like e-scooters, power bikes, and golf carts.

READ: Fire destroys Spring Hill home

Electric cars, when mixed with saltwater, like during Hurricane Helene, caused a number of house fires around Tampa Bay.

Firefighters insist everyone use the recommended chargers, unplug devices once charged, inspect them for damage, and listen for popping sounds.

"There's no increased fear here that we need it all," said Swingle. "It's really understanding the batteries, what happens to them, and how to keep them safe."

The Fire Safety Research Institute points to statistics showing the increase in incidents over the last fifteen years.

The number of incidents rose dramatically starting in 2021, with more than 2,500 incidents in 2024.

"We've had lithium batteries over some time, but because the proliferation happened so quickly, there wasn't a lot of time to provide the public with that type of education," said Nicole Sanders of the Fire Safety Research Institute.

READ: Holiday shipping deadlines quickly approaching: Here’s what to know

Researchers point to 646 deaths caused by lithium-ion devices from either fires, explosions, or some kind of malfunction since 1995.

Experts like Sanders consider escape time from traditional fires an average of three minutes, but lithium-ion fires often leave victims just a minute to escape.

Lithium-ion batteries.

"We've just started our research period on things like that and trying to help the fire service understand better how they can treat these fires," said Sanders.

Firefighters say the key to recognizing a faulty battery is to look for any signs the battery is expanding, whether it smells or makes a popping noise.

READ: Clearwater Salvation Army to give Christmas gifts to 2,000 kids, seniors despite hurricane setbacks

Users should only use chargers that the product's manufacturer approves.

Devices with one cell, like toothbrushes and earbuds, are less dangerous than larger items like e-bikes and golf carts.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: