Why are Batteries at risk for catching fire on planes?

Question

Like the title says, why are batteries at risk to catching fire on planes? Why do they ask you to remove batteries from your luggage?

In: 20

Answer 1

Lithium ion batteries are always a risk for catching on fire

As a general rule, fire hazards are not permitted in the cargo compartment of passenger airlines

A fire in the cabin can be spotted and dealt with quickly. A fire in the cargo compartment runs the risk of not being caught until too late

The risk of fire is low but just putting batteries in carryon is a pretty minor step to ensure that the rare event is minor instead of serious when it does happen