MATTHEWS, N.C. — Matthews Fire & EMS firefighters recently responded to a vehicle fire after a lithium-ion battery pack was left inside a parked SUV exposed to direct sunlight.
Extreme heat inside parked vehicles can rapidly damage lithium-ion batteries and trigger thermal runaway, according to fire officials. The condition dramatically increases the risk of fires and toxic smoke.
Fire crews arriving at the scene on Monday discovered dark brown smoke filling the SUV’s passenger compartment. Responders located the portable battery pack in the back seat and determined it was similar to standard cellphone power banks.
Fire department officials cautioned that pocket-sized electronics can cause severe blazes. They warned residents never to leave lithium-ion batteries, power banks, e-bikes, tools or other rechargeable devices inside hot vehicles.
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