12 Safety Rules: Chelsea Fire Department Issues New Guidelines for Lithium-Ion Battery Care

The Chelsea Fire Department released a detailed set of safety instructions for residents on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. The department is asking homeowners and renters to treat lithium-ion batteries with increased caution. These batteries power common household items like electric bicycles, scooters, power tools, cell phones, and laptops.

The new guidance follows two recent fatal incidents in neighboring cities. Firefighter Robert Kilduff died in the line of duty in Boston, and a residential fire in New York City also claimed a life. The Chelsea Fire Department cited these events as a warning of the specific dangers associated with battery malfunctions. They noted that while these devices offer convenience, improper use or defects can create serious fire hazards.

A failing battery can undergo a process called thermal runaway. This reaction causes the battery to overheat quickly and release flammable gases. The heat can ignite the battery and trigger a chain reaction in nearby cells. The fire can develop with alarming speed, producing intense heat, thick toxic smoke, and sudden flames.

The department warned that burning batteries can explode or eject burning materials. A battery may also reignite after the initial fire appears out. Smoke and flames can block hallways, stairways, and doorways. If a scooter or e-bike is charging near an exit, a fire could cut off the escape route for residents.

The department issued 12 specific rules to prevent these fires. Residents must never charge mobility devices near an exit or along an escape route. Devices should not be placed in hallways, stairwells, or doorways. The department advised avoiding charging these devices inside living spaces whenever possible.

Charging should occur in a designated area away from combustible materials and exits. Homeowners should use only the charger approved by the manufacturer. Incompatible chargers can damage the battery and increase the risk of overheating. The department recommended buying devices and replacement batteries from reputable retailers. Buyers should look for independent safety certification from recognized testing laboratories, such as UL.

Residents should be cautious of counterfeit or unusually inexpensive replacement batteries. No one should leave batteries charging unattended or while sleeping. Devices must be charged on a stable surface, not on beds, couches, or near curtains and paper. Users should inspect batteries, chargers, and devices regularly. A battery should stop being used if it is swollen, cracked, leaking, unusually hot, making noises, or producing an odd odor.

Damaged batteries should never be charged, punctured, crushed, or modified. The department advised having damaged units assessed by a qualified professional. Batteries must be protected from extreme temperatures and moisture. Homeowners should avoid tampering with or modifying battery packs. Improper disposal is also a risk, as lithium-ion batteries should never go in household trash or curbside recycling. Residents must follow local hazardous-waste guidance and use appropriate battery recycling programs.

Homes need working smoke alarms on every level and inside and outside sleeping areas. Families should establish two ways out of each room and practice their escape plan. If a battery begins smoking, venting, or burning, everyone should leave immediately and call 911 from a safe location. The department emphasized that residents should not carry a burning e-bike or scooter outside. Moving the device could expose the person to flames, toxic smoke, or a sudden failure.

The Chelsea Fire Department stressed that electric scooters, e-bikes, and similar mobility devices should never be charged in a location that blocks an exit. Residents should avoid charging these devices inside occupied dwellings whenever possible. The department stated that devices must never be placed in hallways, stairwells, or near doors needed for escape.