Lithium Batteries Prone to Short-Circuiting and Catching Fire in Humid Seasons, Changhua Fire Dept. Reports 4 Cases in April Alone

(CNA, Changhua, May 17) In Changhua County, as of April this year, there have been five fires caused by abnormal lithium batteries, with four of them concentrated in April. The Changhua County Fire Department stated that during the plum rain season, high humidity makes lithium batteries susceptible to moisture, leading to discharge and even high-temperature combustion, and urged the public not to be complacent. The Changhua County Fire Department issued a press release today stating that a recent fire at an open-air recycling yard in Xianxi Township during heavy rain was found, upon investigation, to have been caused by lithium batteries within discarded appliances short-circuiting due to moisture and igniting surrounding combustible materials. This highlights the hidden fire risk of lithium batteries in humid environments. According to the Fire Department's statistics, from January to April this year, there were five fires in the county caused by abnormal lithium batteries, with four of them concentrated in April. The department stated that many people mistakenly believe that unused batteries are safe. In reality, chemical reactions continue inside idle power banks and lithium batteries. After long-term storage, they may swell, leak, or form lithium dendrites. Once the separator is punctured, it can easily cause a short circuit and fire, like a ticking time bomb. The Fire Department pointed out that especially during the high-humidity plum rain season, lithium batteries are more prone to discharge, expand, and even burn at high temperatures due to moisture. They urge the public to promptly clear out unused lithium batteries and old equipment at home, implement proper sorting and recycling, and reduce fire risks. Products containing lithium batteries, such as old mobile phones, power banks, and electric tools, should be sorted and recycled separately, not mixed with other recyclables. They should be kept away from high-temperature and humid places and far from combustible materials. Idle, old, or discarded lithium batteries should be handed over to sanitation squads, recyclers, or community recycling stations as soon as possible. Before handing them over for recycling, it is recommended to seal the positive and negative terminals of the battery with tape to prevent short-circuiting from metal contact and avoid the risk of combustion. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150517