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A British Airways flight from London to Las Vegas safely landed at Harry Reid International Airport on Monday (June 15) after a cellphone caught fire on board. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident, stating that emergency vehicles met the aircraft at the gate upon arrival. The fire was extinguished, and passengers disembarked normally.
The type of cellphone that caused the fire remains unknown. However, the incident highlights growing concerns about lithium battery fires on planes. According to a spokesperson for UL Standards and Engagement, aviation incidents related to lithium-ion battery fires increased by 28% between 2019 and 2023. Vaping devices and power banks are the most common causes of these fires.
Lithium batteries can enter a state known as "thermal runaway," where they short circuit and emit flames, smoke, and toxic gas. The FAA recommends using halon fire extinguishers, which are standard on planes, to address such fires.
British Airways and the FAA are investigating the incident. The FAA advises passengers to keep portable rechargeable devices in carry-on luggage so cabin crew can quickly respond to any fires.
KTNV reported that the fire scorched the cabin's interior, but it was under control. The Las Vegas airport confirmed the alert, but a British Airways spokesperson stated the flight arrived as scheduled and did not declare an emergency.
As incidents with lithium batteries become more frequent, airlines and regulatory bodies are implementing stricter measures. For example, American Airlines recently tightened restrictions on portable chargers.