Lithium-ion batteries are igniting fires in homes, trucks and even airplanes across the nation — with a growing threat that has local officials urging residents to handle these power sources carefully.
A News 6 investigation resulted in a new law that allows the State Fire Marshal to establish new safety rules for storing and charging lithium-ion batteries. Here is the timeline of how our investigation progressed.
Changes in Florida-- after a News 6 investigation exposed there are no rules for safely storing batteries known to overheat and catch fire.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Thursday that gives the State Fire Marshal new powers to help prevent fires ignited by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s office will be able to create new rules for safely storing lithium-ion batteries under bills now headed for votes before the full Florida House and Senate.
After a News 6 investigation uncovered there are no state regulations for commercially storing lithium-ion batteries, News 6 reached out to every state representative and senator in Central Florida to see if new rules can be created.
