According to a publication by International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF) happen in Nearly two lithium battery fires per week on US flights. These numbers are based on current data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), after which the number of incidents has sharply increased since 2015 and is now reported with this frequency.  

The CTIF contribution points out that Lithium batteries, as they are built into everyday devices like laptops, tablets, and electric toothbrushes, pose a serious security risk, when they catch fire on board an aircraft. The FAA warns that fires of this nature in the air pose particular challenges, especially when they occur in checked baggage, as these are more difficult to locate and combat.  

For example, last year a Laptop battery in carry-on luggage on a flight from San Francisco to Miami ignited, leading to significant smoke development and emergency measures by the crew.  

In an accompanying survey, large portions of the cabin crew indicated that they are concerned about the risks posed by lithium batteries on board and that the danger is often underestimated.  

More information on the topic:

– CTIFAlmost two lithium battery fires per week on aircraft in the US alone  https://www.ctif.org/de/news/fast-zwei-braende-von-lithiumbatterien-pro-woche-flugzeugen-allein-den-usa