Explained in plain English

Why do batteries catch fire?

Lithium-ion batteries, common in our devices, store a lot of energy in a small space. If they're damaged, overcharged, or have manufacturing defects, this energy can be released very quickly as heat, leading to a rapid temperature increase. This is called 'thermal runaway' and can cause fires that are difficult to extinguish, posing a significant risk on aeroplanes.

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