Firefighters contained the flames to a single unit in an apartment building at 1611 Schrader Blvd. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The Los Angeles Fire Department extinguished a blaze in a Hollywood apartment on Sept. 18 that was caused by a lithium-ion battery.

The LAFD received a call at 9:25 a.m. about a fire in a unit at 1611 Schrader Blvd., at the corner of Selma Avenue. Firefighters extinguished the flames in 12 minutes and prevented the fire from spreading to other units. Two people were evaluated for non-life-threatening injuries but did not require hospitalization, LAFD spokesman Jamie Stewart said. He confirmed the fire originated from a lithium-ion battery but did not know what type of device the battery powered. Hazardous materials specialists were called to the scene to handle and dispose of the battery.

Lithium-ion batteries are used to power many small electronic devices, from phones, laptops and tablets to power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters. The batteries can overheat, catch fire or explode, particularly when left charging too long, according to the Fire Safety Research Institute, a national organization that studies fire dynamics. Users are cautioned to never leave lithium-ion batteries charging unattended, never leave them charging too long and to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from flammable materials. The LAFD recommends charging e-bikes or e-scooters outside or in a well-ventilated area. Also, never throw lithium-ion batteries in the garbage. The batteries must be disposed of at an approved household hazardous waste facility.

For information, visit lafd.org/lithiumion-battery-safety and fsri.org.