How LA removed 1 million pounds of flammable lithium-ion batteries from its burn zones

LOS ANGELES -- The fires that swept through Los Angeles County in January left behind more than 1 million pounds of damaged lithium-ion batteries, ranging from slim capsules inside iPhones to the brick-like blocks that run electric vehicles. Cheap and reliable, lithium-ion batteries have helped the world's transition to green energy but come with one major risk: When damaged, the batteries can get very hot very quickly, burst open in a puff of toxic, flammable gas and erupt into flames that are difficult to extinguish. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content.

Please enable it in your browser settings..