Lithium-ion batteries are small, yet they store a large amount of energy. They come in different shapes and sizes and are often used to power devices such as cellphones, laptops, e-scooters and e-bikes, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys and even cars. Because the lithium-ion battery can hold so much energy, if they are not used or disposed of properly, they can overheat, catch fire or even explode. The Richardson Fire Department says these batteries burn hotter and longer because they produce their own oxygen. The smoke from these specific fires also produces a toxic smoke.
If you happen to encounter a fire that is caused by one of these batteries, RFD says to call 9-1-1 and evacuate. If you are able, shut the door where the fire started to help slow down the spread of smoke and fire throughout the rest of the building. “A home fire extinguisher could be used to slow down the fire of the surrounding material that may be burning as a result of the lithium-ion battery fire, however a home fire extinguisher it is not very effective on lithium-ion batteries,” said Fire Marshal Wesley Caskey. The best thing you can do is to try and reduce the chance of a fire caused by a lithium-iron battery.
The National Fire Protection Association suggests:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or an a couch
- Keep batteries at room temperature when possible
- Do not keep charging a device or battery after it is fully charged
Disposing of Lithium-Ion Batteries
The Richardson Fire Department also suggests disposing of the battery correctly. You should never put a lithium-ion battery in the trash, but instead they should be recycled. You can take your batteries to the Dallas County Home Chemical Collection Center, 11234 Plano Rd., Dallas, TX.
You can even bring your devices to Trash Bash on Saturday, April 20. More information about what can be recycled at the event can be found at www.cor.net/trashbash.
More information about home fire safety can be found at www.cor.net/fire.
