Sprinklers extinguished a small fire caused by a lithium-ion battery in an apartment building on Fuller Avenue. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The Los Angeles Fire Department determined that a small explosion and fire on April 16 in an apartment building in the 1700 block of North Fuller Avenue in Hollywood was caused by a lithium-ion battery.

The LAFD received a report around 4:35 p.m. about a possible structure fire at the five-story building just north of Hollywood Boulevard. Firefighters initially found no evidence of a fire but located an individual who said they heard an explosion in one of the units. Firefighters entered the apartment and found sprinklers had extinguished flames from a lithium-ion battery that exploded. LAFD spokeswoman Margaret Stewart described it as a battery for an electric scooter or electric bicycle.

One person was treated for a minor injury at the scene. Firefighters remained at the scene to help remove water from the unit.

The incident highlights the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries, which are used in many common household devices. Authorities have responded to lithium-ion battery explosions across the country, including many that resulted in fatalities and fires. The batteries sometimes explode if charged longer than recommended or if they are damaged. Stewart did not know if the battery was over-charged or damaged prior to the explosion, but said the battery reignited as firefighters were attempting to dispose of it. She did not have statistics for how many lithium-ion battery fires the LAFD responds to each year.

“There have been reports of this type of fire across the U.S.,” Stewart said. “We are always emphasizing in our safety messaging the importance of following the guidance of the manufacturer. Don’t leave them unattended and don’t use after-market parts.”

People are also advised to never dispose of used lithium-ion batteries in the garbage because they can potentially explode. They should be disposed of at household waste recycling facilities or drop-off sites. The federal government offers information on preventing problems with lithium-ion batteries by visiting osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/shib011819.pdf and epa.gov/recycle/frequent-questions-lithium-ion-batteries.