LAFD Pushes for Lithium-Ion Battery Regulations as Fires Rise

Department warns of growing hazards and resource challenges in battling incidents involving these ubiquitous power sources.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is sounding the alarm on a surge in lithium-ion battery fires, which now average 45 incidents per week in the city. Firefighters are facing new risks from the toxic gases released in these blazes, and the department is lobbying city leaders to adopt regulations similar to New York's, which require specific safety certifications for e-bikes and e-scooters.

Why it matters

As lithium-ion batteries power an ever-expanding array of consumer electronics and electric vehicles, the LAFD is struggling to keep up with the rising number of dangerous incidents. Inadequate resources and a lack of safety protocols leave firefighters vulnerable, underscoring the need for proactive measures to mitigate the growing threat.

The details

According to LAFD Hazmat Program Manager Captain Richard Thompson, firefighters are now using meters at every fire to detect hydrogen fluoride, a toxic gas released in lithium-ion battery blazes that can turn into an acid when it contacts moisture. The department has already seen one firefighter injured in a lithium-ion incident, resulting in significant time off work.

  • The LAFD is currently responding to an average of 45 lithium-ion battery fires each week.

The players

Richard Thompson

Captain and Hazmat Program Manager for the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Los Angeles City Council

The governing body that Thompson is lobbying to adopt new regulations on lithium-ion batteries, similar to those recently implemented in New York City.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Los Angeles City Council is expected to consider new regulations on lithium-ion batteries in the coming months, following Thompson's lobbying efforts.

The takeaway

The rise in lithium-ion battery fires underscores the urgent need for proactive safety measures and adequate resources for emergency responders. Regulations requiring specific safety certifications, as seen in New York City, could be a crucial step in mitigating the growing risks associated with these ubiquitous power sources.