Fire in Malmö hospitalizes eight individuals due to lithium-ion battery incident

In September, a violent fire in Malmö resulted in eight individuals being hospitalized. The incident was caused by a lithium-ion battery on a balcony that caught fire while charging. This type of battery is commonly found in rechargeable products including laptops, mobile phones, and electric scooters, and it is reported that at least 70% of fires occur during charging. Carl-Ian Bissmark emphasized the severity of risks associated with these batteries, stating they can reach temperatures of up to 800 degrees, leading to potential self-ignition of nearby materials.

The increase in ownership of electric scooters and bicycles has also led to the presence of larger batteries in homes. Many workplaces, including government offices and universities, have banned the use of electric bicycle batteries. One sign of a dangerous battery is swelling.

Bissmark strongly advises against charging devices overnight or when unattended, as early signs of a fire may only involve minor smoke and heat, giving time to act. He also cautions against charging mobile phones or laptops at night.

According to the Electrical Safety Authority, the number of fires caused by rechargeable products is on the rise. From 2018-2022, rechargeable items accounted for 14% of all electrical fires in residential properties. Bissmark predicts that battery fires will continue to increase as older batteries become more susceptible to damage from repeated charging and impact.

To minimize risks, he suggests regular inspections of rechargeable products for damage, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and following manufacturer guidelines for charging. Charging should ideally occur during the day when someone is home to monitor the devices. Keeping working smoke alarms can help detect fires early.