A spark from the short can set off a fire, and a build-up in pressure as the heat goes up can literally make the battery explode. From the moment they're made, lithium ion batteries start losing their ability to store charge and generate a voltage over time.
Mechanical injury is another leading cause of lithium battery fires and explosions. Physical damage to a battery, whether from crushing, puncturing, or bending, can compromise its structural integrity.
This can occur due to improper handling, short-circuited devices, or faulty battery packs. When a lithium battery experiences an external short circuit, it can lead to rapid overheating and thermal runaway. The excessive current flow causes significant heat buildup, which can quickly lead to a fire or explosion.
The Science of Fire and Explosion Hazards from Lithium-Ion Batteries sheds light on lithium-ion battery construction, the basics of thermal runaway, and potential fire and explosion hazards.
Due to the self-sustaining process of thermal runaway, Lithium-ion battery fires are also difficult to quell. Bigger batteries such as those used in electric vehicles may reignite hours or even days after the event, even after being cooled. Source: Firechief® Global
Lithium-ion battery-powered devices — like cell phones, laptops, toothbrushes, power tools, electric vehicles and scooters — are everywhere. Despite their many advantages, lithium-ion batteries have the potential to overheat, catch fire, and cause explosions.