Lithium-ion batteries can erupt in violent explosions and out-of-control fires, and toxic chemicals can be released rapidly.

The Chicago Fire Department is raising awareness about the increasing number of fires caused by faulty lithium batteries in the city.

There’s fresh evidence that designers, installers, and operators of battery energy storage systems (BESSs) may hold the ultimate keys to BESS safety, a lingering concern amid publicity surrounding recent incidents involving explosions and fires.

Firefighters, law enforcement, and other emergency service personnel gathered at the opening day of the annual Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Symposium held at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala on Thursday.

"The people that buy those batteries are aware of that they are cheaper batteries, but they still take the risk.”