Crystal River Sept. 3 home fire caused by charging lithium batteries

Crystal River Fire Department (CRFD)

Crystal River, Florida - At 4:35 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, a fire was reported on SE Ninja Street in the City of Crystal River. The Crystal River Fire Department arrived at the location to find a manufactured home with a partially extinguished fire.

The homeowner reported that he awakened to find fire in his utility closet. The homeowner immediately used a garden hose to stop the spread of the fire, while calling 911.

Firefighters extinguished the remaining fire and checked for possible extension of the fire into the residence. Fire crews completed the overhaul and asssited the homeowner prior to leaving the residence.

The fire was caused by the charging of lithium batteries in the utility room, which spread to the exterior wall and partially into the residence.

The fire department issued an cautionary announcement to the public: Unattended charging of lithium batteries in homes carries significant fire and explosion risk due to their volatile components and high energy density. Please use caution and do not leave batteries charging unattended.