ECFR Urges Caution When Using Lithium-Ion Batteries

Escambia County Fire Rescue recently responded to garage fires on Aug. 18 and 19 resulting from lithium-ion batteries overheating. In both instances, battery-operated push mowers in the garages caught fire. Fortunately, both were detected early and resulted in damage contained to the garage. ECFR urges the public to use caution when utilizing or storing lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries supply power to many devices, including smart phones, lawnmowers and cars. If not used correctly or if damaged, these batteries can catch on fire or explode.

"While battery-powered equipment such as vehicles, lawn mowers and bikes are good for the environment and reducing emissions, we want our citizens to know the dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries," said ECFR Deputy Fire Chief Paul Williams. "These devices and equipment, when charged in your home, can pose dangers and should be monitored closely. Fires resulting from lithium-ion batteries intensify significantly and quickly, leaving little time for people to react."

Follow the below safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association to prevent fires from lithium-ion batteries:

• Purchase and use devices listed by a qualified testing laboratory
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions
• Only use the battery designed for the device
• Put batteries in the device the right way
• Only use the charging cord that came with the device
• Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch
• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged
• Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C)
• Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire

Stop using the battery if you notice an odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises. If it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 9-1-1.

Additionally, residents are urged not to put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Batteries are considered household hazardous waste and can be brought to the Perdido Landfill year-round for proper disposal at no charge to Escambia County residents. Learn more about household hazardous waste here.

Watch a video from the NFPA here on fire safety for e-bikes and e-scooters.

Watch a video on examples of lithium battery fires here.

Escambia County Fire Rescue proudly operates as a combination fire service, utilizing the talents and diversities of volunteer and career firefighting personnel. ECFR also offers other emergency services such as hazardous materials response, special operations and ALS non-transport. Learn more about ECFR here. Stay up to date with ECFR on Facebook here.

Debris from a lithium-ion battery fire ECFR responded to on Aug. 18