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A malfunctioning lithium-ion lawn mower battery sparked a fire inside an attached garage in Herndon on Saturday, May 3, 2025, causing an estimated $1,500 in damage.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department crews responded shortly before 7:30 p.m. to the 1500 block of Millikens Bend Road. They arrived at the single-story home to find smoke coming from the garage.
Two residents were inside when they heard a loud noise from the garage. After discovering flames near the mower battery, one occupant used a portable fire extinguisher to put them out before calling 911. Both residents evacuated safely.
Firefighters brought the incident under control and checked the home for signs that the fire had spread or caused additional damage.
One person was taken to a hospital as a precaution. No firefighters were injured, and the residents did not need assistance from the Red Cross.
Investigators ruled the fire accidental and traced it to the lithium-ion battery in the garage. The estimated loss includes $500 in property damage and $1,000 in damaged contents.
Lithium-ion batteries should be charged only with the charger provided for the device and should not be left charging unattended or overnight. Batteries that are swollen, leaking or otherwise damaged should no longer be used. They should also be stored in a cool, dry location away from flammable materials.