Fire suppression company Fire Rover has released its annual report on waste and recycling facility fires in the US and Canada, revealing a significant increase in incidents caused by lithium-ion batteries. The number of fires increased by 60% in 2024 compared to 2023, with more than double the fires reported in 2022. In total, there were 398 publicly reported fire incidents at waste and recycling facilities last year.
The company attributes the rise in fires to growing concerns about lithium-ion batteries. While other hazardous materials like fireworks and pool chemicals can cause fires, batteries pose a particular problem due to their numerous potential ignition sources. Fire Rover’s CEO, Ryan Fogelman, estimates that around half of the fires he tracks originate from battery-related causes.
The report notes that the media often misrepresents batteries as “spontaneously” catching fire, which is not accurate. However, the nature of waste handling makes it difficult to ensure that no battery will face hazards during transportation or disposal. Even tiny batteries can be packed into everyday items, making them a hidden danger in the waste stream.
The economic impact of these fires is significant, with an estimated $2.5 billion in losses last year. Fire Rover’s report highlights the need for improved consumer education and responsible disposal practices to mitigate this growing problem.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/lithium-ion-battery-waste-fires-are-increasing-and-vapes-are-a-big-part-of-it