VIDEO/PHOTOS: Portland fire officials are urging caution after lithium ion batteries reportedly caused two structure fires and displaced multiple residents Thursday.
The first incident occurred just before 7 a.m. in a Southwest Portland home and the second happened just before midnight in a Southeast Portland apartment complex. Officials say both fires caused extensive damage and displaced eleven residents total.
According to Portland Fire and Rescue, the fires were the result of a thermal runway in the batteries, which happens when an encased battery cell heats up faster than it can cool down. This can result in high heat, explosions and fires.
Officials added that these particular fires burn hot and fast and can emit large amounts of toxic smoke.
PF&R also responded to two similar incidents within the last four months involving e-scooters going into thermal runaway, causing smoke and water damage to nearby buildings.