ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Calls tied to lithium-ion batteries are keeping fire crews busy in St. Pete , and firefighters across the country are using this week to educate and help prevent more of these dangerous blazes. They say they’re responding to these incidents at an alarming rate.

"Of the fires we have investigated this year, 28% have been battery-related. It’s a real issue, and we are seeing an increase," said St. Pete Fire Rescue Division Chief Ian Womack.

Nationwide, there were more than 2,500 battery incidents in 2024.

Lithium-ion batteries are in phones, tablets, AirTags, e-bikes, scooters, golf carts and countless other everyday devices.

Cutting Lithium-ion battery fire risks

Firefighters shared practical ways to make charging safer, including:

What they're saying:

Chie

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