What is causing the increase in lithium battery fires in Colorado?

Lithium battery fires in Colorado can be caused by issues like charging, overcharging, damaged batteries, or the use of incompatible equipment.

How are Colorado firefighters responding to these lithium battery fires?

Colorado firefighters are finding that traditional methods like water are ineffective against lithium battery fires, as the fires burn at high temperatures and the water can create toxic gases and hazardous runoff. They are having to use alternative techniques like immersing the burning devices in mineral-glass mixtures.

What new risks are Colorado firefighters facing when dealing with these lithium battery fires?

Colorado firefighters are now facing new risks, including potential exposure to carcinogens from the smoke and residue of these lithium battery fires. They have to take extra precautions when dealing with the aftermath of these blazes.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Lithium Battery Fires Ignite Hazardous Challenges for Colorado Firefighters

Lithium Battery Fires Ignite Hazardous Challenges for Colorado Firefighters

3 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Firefighters respond to multiple lithium battery fires in Colorado in less than a week
Water ineffective, causes toxic gas and runoff issues
Firefighters face new risks, including potential carcinogens from smoke exposure

Lithium Battery Fires Ignite Hazardous Challenges for Colorado Firefighters

Over the past week, Colorado's foothills have seen a concerning spike in lithium battery fires, posing new challenges for local firefighters. On Thursday, a townhome in Aurora suffered heavy damage from a fire involving batteries from model RC cars. This followed an incident just two days earlier in which South Metro Firefighters had to quickly remove and immerse an electric scooter in a mineral-glass mixture to extinguish the blaze.

The issue has become so prevalent that even a car fire at a charging station in Littleton last weekend required the evacuation of nearby residents due to the hazardous smoke. Firefighters have discovered that traditional methods like water are largely ineffective against these types of fires, and can even exacerbate the problem by creating toxic gases and hazardous runoff.