The fire at the mall was likely started by lithium-ion batteries

However, they can be dangerous, state fire officials warn.

Rechargeable batteries were responsible for more than 135 fires reported in Massachusetts last year, state fire marshal Jon M. Davine said in a statement.

“Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day,” Onset chief Jeffrey R. Osswald said in the statement. “The fire damage and heavy, toxic smoke from this incident demonstrates how serious we all need to be about battery safety.”

On Sunday, firefighters responded around 11:40 a.m. to 3086 Cranberry Highway for reports of a fire in a large commercial building with multiple businesses, the release said.

There, crews found heavy smoke and began attacking “significant fire” at two businesses, a hobby shop and another unidentified business.

Firefighters called for help from a hazardous materials team after finding the batteries at one of the businesses, according to the release.

The batteries were loaded into dumpsters layered with sand by hazardous materials technicians. Some of the batteries re-ignited during the cleanup, the statement said.

“When these batteries are abused, overcharged, overheated or defective, they can rapidly and violently fail in a fire or explosion that also releases toxic, flammable gases,” Davine said in the statement.

The fire brought dozens of firefighters to the scene or to cover fire headquarters in Wareham, Carver, Marion, Middleborough, Plymouth and Sandwich, the release said. One firefighter was taken to a local hospital and released the same day.

Fires started by batteries increased significantly last year in Massachusetts, Globe reported. Officials said users should carefully follow the manufacturer’s storage, charging and use instructions when handling lithium-ion batteries, and devices should not be left unattended while charging.

“Discontinue use of the battery if you notice any unusual odor, color change, shape change, leakage, or strange noises,” the statement said. “If you can do so safely, move the device away from anything that could burn and call your local fire department.”

Onset is a village in the town of Wareham. The mall is home to several small businesses, including a rental center, Wreckless Hobbies and Not Your Average Antiques.

The vinyl-sided, one-story building is valued at $2.5 million, according to the city property records. Built in 1970, the structure is owned by Sandwich-based 3086 Cranberry Highway LLC, the filing said.

Lila Hempel-Edgers can be reached at [email protected]. Follow X @hempeledgers and on Instagram @lila_hempel_edgers.