It started with a lithium-ion battery left charging on a workbench.
That single battery caused a raging fire that tore through the Odonnell family’s garage in Spring Hill, Florida.
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“Absolutely it was sitting on his work bench, which is wooden. Probably had some oil and WD-40 and things on it and I think it just went up,” homeowner Cindy Odonnell told WFLA.
The fire erupted without warning, gutting the entire garage of the home in Hernando County. “And there were fire trucks all up and down the road and there was smoke pouring out of the house and water running down the sides, from all sides from everywhere I could see,” she added.
The incident makes clear the risk posed by lithium-ion batteries — and it’s a risk that fire departments across the country are sounding the alarm on.
‘We’re just grateful to walk away’
“Lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles, that’s a hot topic in the fire services across the country,” said Hernando County Fire Chief Paul Hasenmeier. “There are a large number of fires. Probably right now our leading cause of fires in residential houses is from lithium-ion batteries.”
Hasenmeier confirmed this is the second lithium-ion battery fire within a few weeks in Hernando County alone.
Just two weeks before the Venetia Drive garage blaze, Hernando County Fire Rescue responded to another lithium-ion battery fire, this time in Brookridge, at a mobile home on Moriah Avenue, according to a report by WFLA.
The blaze had started while a golf cart was charging inside a side garage, then quickly spread and engulfed the mobile home. Though firefighters extinguished the fire in about 30 minutes, the property was a total loss. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
While the Odonnells lost much of their property, they’re counting their blessings.
“We’re just grateful to walk away from it all,” Steve Odonnell said. He and their beloved three-legged squirrel, Flash, escaped unhurt.
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What are lithium-ion batteries, and where are they used?
Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere, from smartphones and laptops to drills, e-bikes, electric scooters and Teslas. They’re small, lightweight, and pack a lot of energy.
These batteries store energy using highly reactive chemical compounds. If damaged, overheated or improperly charged, the internal components can trigger a phenomenon known as “thermal runaway,” where the battery self-heats, ignites and explodes.
As these batteries become cheaper and more widespread, especially in off-brand e-bikes, hoverboards and power tools, fires are becoming a national crisis. Even name-brand batteries can catch fire if left charging too long, stored improperly or paired with incompatible chargers.
Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover fire damage. But if the fire was caused by misuse, like charging a battery overnight on a flammable surface or using a non-certified charger, your claim could be denied, delayed or reduced.
If you have a “named perils” policy, only specific causes of damage, like lightning, theft or vandalism, are covered.
If battery fires aren’t listed, you may not qualify for coverage. On the other hand, “open perils” (also called “all-risk”) policies offer broader protection, covering any damage not explicitly excluded. Even these can contain fine print around personal electronics or third-party devices, so always read the fine print.
Don’t forget to think about policy caps. Your coverage may be limited to a percentage of your home’s value, regardless of what the repairs actually cost.
How to protect your home and your wallet
Fire safety officials are warning homeowners to treat lithium-ion batteries with the same caution as gas-powered appliances or open flames. That means not charging batteries unattended, especially overnight, and always using Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certified products.
Keep charging stations away from anything flammable. Avoid leaving batteries plugged in after they’re fully charged. And if a battery ever feels hot, starts to swell, or emits a weird smell, get rid of it properly and immediately. Improper disposal can lead to fires in garbage trucks and recycling centers.
Protect your wallet and check your policy. Make sure you understand the difference between open and named peril coverage, review any exclusions for personal electronics, and ask your agent about endorsements for high-risk items like EV chargers or large-capacity battery packs.
As fires like the ones in Spring Hill and Brookridge make headlines, it’s clear that lithium-ion batteries are a household risk and an insurance wild card. For now, the best protection is a mix of fire-safe habits and a clear, up-to-date insurance policy.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
