Old nickel-ion batteries burst in a Kaua‘i home; no injuries reported

No injuries were reported after more than 100 nickel-ion batteries began to fail, causing small bursts.

Kaua‘i Firefighters were dispatched to the incident on Hekili Road in Kapa‘a on Tuesday shortly after 1:25 p.m. According to a preliminary report, firefighters discovered approximately 106 nickel-ion batteries used to store solar energy located in the residence.

Due to the age of the batteries, they began to fail, causing small bursts. Despite the minor blasts, there was no smoke or fire on scene.

Personnel with the Kaiākea fire station, the on-duty Battalion Chief, and the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative responded to the incident.

Firefighters shut off all power to the solar panels and the residence while waiting for the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative electrician to arrive on scene. Personnel kept the area well ventilated and tested the air quality using specialized testing equipment. Air quality testing showed low readings, well under the threshold of harm.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s electrician arrived on scene and shut off power to the entire property.

“Residents are urged to ensure that any electrical work, solar panels, and battery storage systems are properly installed by a licensed contractor, and that periodic maintenance is performed in accordance with manufacturer instructions,” said KFD Chief Michael Gibson.

Fire personnel contacted the Department of Health on Tuesday to handle the disposal of the batteries. On Wednesday, fire crews returned, and following recommendations from the Hawai‘i Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency, residents of the primary and nearby homes were advised to self-evacuate until the batteries could be safely disposed of as a precautionary measure.

KFD personnel went door to door in the area to the houses affected by this recommendation. Five to six homes were recommended to self-evacuate.

Firefighters continued to monitor air quality periodically throughout the evening with no unusual readings reported.

KFD personnel will continue to monitor the affected area.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” highlights the importance of handling and maintaining battery-powered systems safely to help prevent dangerous incidents.

Fire Prevention Week will be observed from Oct. 5–11, 2025, providing an opportunity for families and communities to learn more about fire safety and prevention.

For questions or more information about fire prevention, contact the Kaua‘i Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985.