There was a similar problem discovered with NVG batteries a few years ago, a (steel) storage cupboard at some RAF base was blown apart by an exploding lithium battery one night. Some crews voiced disquiet about flying with them clamped to their heads, but after some modification to the storage and handling procedures the problem seemed to disappear.
Fearsome temperatures were also mentioned at the time, but bear in mind these are internal temperatures, and only last a fraction of a second (before the bang).