Scene of a lithium-ion battery explosion at a Fond du Lac home, June 18, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Fond du Lac Fire Rescue)
FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Fond du Lac firefighters are urging caution when charging lithium-ion batteries after one caused an explosion inside a residence.
Crews were called to a residence just after 11:30 p.m. Wednesday for a report of an explosion in the living room.
When firefighters arrived, they found a lithium-ion battery had been charging in the living room, overheated and caused a thermal runaway. The fire was quickly extinguished.
The fire caused damage to the floor and wall area. No one was hurt.
Firefighters say lithium-ion batteries are becoming more common in everything from smartphones and laptops to e-bikes and power tools. As demand grows for these products, so does the influx of cheaply made, uncertified batteries and chargers — many of which do not meet the rigorous safety standards established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Key safety requirements include:
- Only use batteries and chargers that are UL listed (e.g., UL 1642, UL 2054, UL 62133, UL 2271)
- Purchase from reputable manufacturers and retailers
- Avoid mixing components (e.g., using a third-party charger with an unverified battery)
- Regularly inspect batteries for signs of damage, swelling, or overheating
- Never charge batteries unattended or overnight
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