FMO Investigating Vehicle Fire Linked to Lithium-Ion Battery Failure

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a vehicle fire that occurred on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at approximately 11:45 pm at a residence on Moderation Street in Hollis. The incident involved a custom show vehicle and a portable garage structure. Preliminary findings indicate the fire was caused by a failure of a lithium-ion battery bank that was being charged at the time. The vehicle’s owner had been preparing the car for an upcoming audio show and was installing a custom built, battery-powered audio system. The system was connected to a battery charger when the homemade battery bank failed, igniting a fire that damaged both the vehicle and the adjacent portable garage. The fire was witnessed, and no serious injuries were reported. Officials remind the public of the significant hazards associated with do-it-yourself (DIY) energy storage systems, particularly those using lithium-ion batteries. They urge caution when charging or modifying high-capacity battery setups.

Fire officials are investigating a vehicle fire that occurred on 6/21 at 2345 hours involving a custom show vehicle and a portable tent garage structure. The fire cause is related to a lithium-ion battery bank that failed while being charged.

The vehicle owner had been preparing the car for an upcoming audio show and was outfitting it with a custom-built, battery-powered audio system. At the time of the incident, the system was connected to a battery charger.

The failure of the homemade battery bank led to a fire that damaged both the vehicle and the adjacent portable garage. The event was witnessed, and no serious injuries were reported.

Officials remind the public of the significant hazards posed by DIY energy storage systems, especially those using lithium-ion batteries, and urge caution when charging or modifying high-capacity battery setups.