NOBLE COUNTY, Ind. (WPTA) – As people enjoy new gadgets and gifts following the holidays, a critical safety message is being shared by local firefighter Casey Kintz, who experienced a devastating fire caused by a lithium-ion battery in his own home. Kintz’s warning highlights the hidden dangers of these batteries, which power everything from smartphones to electric bicycles, toys, and other modern devices.
A Hidden Threat: Lithium Batteries
The Fire Safety Research Institute reported over 1,500 fires in the U.S. related to lithium-ion batteries in 2023 alone. These batteries have the potential to overheat, catch fire, and even explode when they malfunction. Kintz, who serves as a firefighter in Kendallville and Avilla, knows these risks firsthand.
The Incident That Changed Everything
In May 2024, Kintz and his family purchased a brand-new electric bicycle. After using it, they decided to charge it, unaware of the danger that was about to unfold. Hours later, upon returning home from a bike ride, Kintz heard the faint sound of a smoke alarm. When he entered the house, he was met with smoke pouring out from the building.
“I got out of the car, and I could hear a faint smoke alarm going off,” Kintz recalls. “It was definitely a moment of disbelief and shock. You know, my own house is on fire.”
Kintz quickly acted, saving all the pets inside, but the fire’s impact was severe. He was admitted to the hospital due to smoke inhalation, later being intubated and flown to Indianapolis for treatment in the burn unit.
The Role of the Lithium Battery
The fire was traced back to the lithium battery in the newly purchased electric bicycle, which had exploded while charging. Kintz explained that while he had experienced many house fires caused by various batteries, this incident served as a harsh reminder of just how dangerous these seemingly harmless devices can be.
“This one decided to explode, and you just never know what it is,” says Kintz. “I’ve been to house fires that have started because of simple drill batteries that have been left on or were defaulted.”
Safety Precautions and Advice
As someone who has witnessed the dangers of lithium batteries firsthand, Kintz urges caution when handling and charging such devices. “I will never charge another type of battery like that without being home,” he says.
If possible, Kintz recommends charging lithium batteries outside of the house—in a detached garage or shed—to prevent further risk. He also advises buying gadgets and devices only from reputable retailers that adhere to proper manufacturing regulations.
“If you find yourself in the market for a new gadget, buy it from somewhere that has regulations on the manufacturing and how the batteries are made and how they’re regulated,” Kintz stresses.
