Steve Freihon/Related-Oxford
New York, New York
Investigating Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: Chemistry, Failure Mechanisms, and Forensic Insights from Case Studies
March 01, 2026
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Authors
Elisa Paone, Principal, Thornton Tomasetti
Publication
This article appeared in IEEE Electrification Magazine, March 2026.
Abstract
Fires started by lithium-ion batteries (LiB) represent an increasingly significant hazard as the use of energy storage technology continues to expand across consumer, industrial, and utility-scale applications. This article examines the associated fire and safety challenges with a focus on forensic investigation methods used to understand and mitigate these risks. Three case studies—a residential garage fire, an industrial warehouse fire, and a large-scale battery energy storage facility event—are used to illustrate the consequences of improper storage, inadequate product quality, and misuse. As demand for lithium-ion technology continues to grow, advances in investigative methods, interdisciplinary analysis, and consumer education are critical to managing the risks posed by these systems.
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