09/13/2026
Firefighters Respond to Two Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Over Busy Weekend
CORTLAND, NY — September 13, 2026 — The City of Cortland Fire Department responded to two separate lithium-ion battery-related fires over the weekend, highlighting the growing fire risk associated with rechargeable batteries used in portable electronics, e-bikes, and other devices.
Friday Night – Portable Speaker Fire
At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, the City of Cortland Fire Department was dispatched to a sorority house in the city’s Fifth Ward following multiple reports of a bedroom fire.
Firefighters arrived within moments to find the four-story residence, which houses more than 50 students, being evacuated. The occupant of the affected room reported that a portable speaker had suddenly exploded and caught fire. A housemate quickly retrieved a fire extinguisher and used it to knock down the flames prior to the arrival of firefighters.
As the first crew advanced to the second floor, firefighters encountered a light smoke condition and the odor of burning materials. A two-inch attack line was advanced into the building as a precaution, while the second-arriving engine established a water supply from the nearest hydrant.
Upon entering the affected bedroom, firefighters located remaining fire and heat and extinguished it using a pressurized water extinguisher. Additional crews conducted primary searches of the residence to confirm the building had been completely evacuated and that all occupants were accounted for.
Firefighters then collected the affected lithium-ion batteries and portable speaker and secured the materials using CellBlock, a specialized product used to help contain and manage lithium-ion battery hazards. Crews ventilated the structure and monitored interior conditions. Once air-quality readings returned to normal levels and the building was determined to be safe, residents were permitted to reoccupy the residence.
The quick actions of the student who used a fire extinguisher, combined with the rapid response and coordinated actions of Cortland firefighters, are credited with keeping the fire contained to the area of origin and preventing significantly greater damage.
No injuries to occupants or firefighters were reported. The City of Cortland Fire Department Fire Investigation Team determined the fire to be accidental in nature.
Firefighters remained on scene for just over 90 minutes.
Saturday Afternoon – E-Bike Battery Fire
Less than 24 hours later, at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, Cortland firefighters were dispatched to a four-unit apartment building again in the cities fifth ward for a reported e-bike fire.
Upon arrival, crews found a lithium-ion battery pack smoldering outside near the building’s front entrance.
Firefighters determined that the battery had been charging inside an apartment when the occupant heard a loud popping sound followed by hissing from the battery pack. Recognizing that something was wrong, the occupant disconnected the battery from the charger and moved it outside. The occupant reported that the battery burst into flames almost immediately afterward.
Firefighters secured and encapsulated the damaged battery using CellBlock and removed the hazard from the structure. Crews also inspected the apartment using thermal-imaging equipment and air-monitoring meters to ensure there was no hidden fire, heat damage, or additional hazard.
No injuries were reported.
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
These two incidents serve as an important reminder that damaged, defective, improperly charged, or incompatible lithium-ion batteries can create a serious fire hazard. When these batteries fail, they can generate intense heat and fire with little warning.
The City of Cortland Fire Department reminds residents to:
* Use only batteries and chargers that are approved for and compatible with the device.
* Follow all manufacturer charging, storage, and maintenance instructions.
* Never use batteries or chargers that are damaged, modified, swollen, cracked, or showing other signs of deterioration.
* Discontinue use immediately if a battery becomes unusually hot, changes shape, produces an odor, makes popping or hissing sounds, or begins smoking.
* Keep charging devices away from exits and escape routes.
* Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in household trash or regular recycling.
If a lithium-ion battery begins smoking, hissing, popping, or burning, evacuate the area and call 911. Do not place yourself at risk attempting to handle a battery that is actively failing.
The City of Cortland Fire Department remains committed to protecting the lives and property of our residents through rapid emergency response, prevention, education, and community awareness.
