SF proposes stricter rules that would ban non-certified lithium batteries in wake of recent fires

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco city leaders are considering a crackdown on lithium-ion batteries after a series of destructive fires, including one in the Tenderloin that displaced dozens of residents.

Anne Marie Van Buren lost nearly everything when her building burned four months ago.

"Witnessed my furniture being broken down by a sledgehammer, to go on the junk truck," Van Buren said.

Investigators believe a lithium-ion battery on a charging scooter caused the fire.

San Francisco Fire Department Lt. Mariano Elias said battery fires can escalate quickly and violently.

"These fires tend to explode, have a quick explosion, and then rapid increase in smoke," said Lt. Mariano Elias of the San Francisco Fire Department.

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On Tuesday, District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood introduced legislation that would ban the purchase or sale of lithium-ion batteries without a UL certification mark.

"Over the last five years, there have been over 120 fires in the city caused by illegally certified lithium-ion batteries that are prone to catch fire," Mahmood said.

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It is unclear whether the battery involved in Van Buren's fire was UL certified. Van Buren said she supports stricter rules.

"I would see, you know, scooters roll in and think, 'Oh okay, I hope that's okay,' but turned out it wasn't," she said. "3:15 a.m., we were all on the sidewalk. It's a city issue when it comes to the cost of fighting the fires, the cost of helping people who have been displaced. It's a big deal."

Fire officials advise residents not to charge scooter or e-bike batteries while sleeping or away from home, and to unplug them once fully charged.

Mahmood said the proposal would allow the fire chief to issue fines of up to $1,000 per violation and give the city attorney authority to pursue enforcement actions.

"Our laws need to catch up with our technology, and this is the first step to do so," Mahmood said.