Lithium-ion batteries can erupt in violent explosions and out-of-control fires, and toxic chemicals can be released rapidly.

A small fire at an industrial building in Chula Vista has raised concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries, following a major battery storage fire in Escondido last week that forced the evacuation of hundreds of nearby businesses.

There’s fresh evidence that designers, installers, and operators of battery energy storage systems (BESSs) may hold the ultimate keys to BESS safety, a lingering concern amid publicity surrounding recent incidents involving explosions and fires.

The Chicago Fire Department is raising awareness about the increasing number of fires caused by faulty lithium batteries in the city.

The batteries appear to be victims of a catastrophic malfunction that can lead to overheating and even explosions.

"The people that buy those batteries are aware of that they are cheaper batteries, but they still take the risk.”