[header] How to put out a cell phone fire [title] Know how to recognize a cell phone fire. [step] Most cell phone fires are caused by what's known as " thermal runaway " in the lithium-ion battery cell. When this happens, the first thing you're likely to notice is dense, black smoke accompanied by a distinct burning odor.
The battery itself will then ignite, often emitting small white flames or a faint reddish glow. [substeps] You may also hear a loud popping or sizzling sound as the chemical-infused metals in the battery continue to burn.