Matthews Fire warns about leaving battery chargers in hot cars

MATTHEWS, N.C. – A warning from Matthews Fire officials after crews put out a car fire involving a lithium battery in the back seat.

Matthews Fire and EMS say a portable lithium-ion power bank – like a cell phone charger – caught fire in the back seat of a parked SUV.

Investigators say the pack caught fire because it was sitting in the direct sunlight. The heat can trigger a chemical reaction, fire, and toxic smoke.

Officials warn residents never to leave cellphone power banks, e-bike batteries, or rechargeable tools inside parked vehicles.