How to tell whether your lithium batteries are a fire risk — and what to do if they are

Muzammil Hussain November 01, 2026

A smartphone plugged in to charge, showing the battery charging symbol on the screen

We've heard a lot about how dangerous lithium battery fires are, but most of us also keep and charge smartphones, e-bikes and other lithium battery devices at home. Do we actually need to worry? Are some safer than others? Can they really go from safe to risky? And what are the warning signs? Here are some answers.

We've heard a lot about how dangerous lithium battery fires are, but most of us also keep and charge smartphones, e-bikes and other lithium battery devices at home. Do we actually need to worry? Are some safer than others? Can they really go from safe to risky? And what are the warning signs? Here are some answers. A smartphone plugged in to charge, showing the battery charging symbol on the screen

We've heard a lot about how dangerous lithium battery fires are, but most of us also keep and charge smartphones, e-bikes and other lithium battery devices at home. Do we actually need to worry? Are some safer than others? Can they really go from safe to risky? And what are the warning signs? Here are some answers.

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