ON YOUR SIDE: Local experts share tips to prevent lithium-ion battery fires

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) -Lithium-ion batteries power devices many people use every day, but local experts say damaged or improperly charged batteries can pose a fire hazard.

John Brossman, a battalion chief with the Logan-Rogersville Fire Protection District, said he responded to a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery that spread quickly. He said the batteries’ individual cells can create a chain reaction when they overheat.

“Each of those lithium-ion batteries has cells, and so when one cell heats up, the next cell heats up, and that causes a chain reaction,” Brossman said.

That chain reaction can lead to explosions and make battery fires more dangerous and difficult to fight, he said.

Charging and storage safety Brossman recommends storing larger lithium-ion batteries, such as those used for e-bikes, in a shop or garage. He also advises checking a battery’s charging requirements and making sure the electrical outlet can handle the load before charging it.

Brossman and Ethan Cox, who owns the Smart Phone Repair Doctor, recommend avoiding charging electronic devices when no one is home. They also advise against charging devices on fabric surfaces, such as a bed or couch, which can add fuel to a fire.

Cox said inexpensive power banks can pose a risk if they lack protective circuitry, and he recommends choosing reputable brands.

“Cheaply made power banks usually lack the charging circuit protection to prevent a shutdown or a kill switch in case things get too hot,” Cox said.

When to replace or recycle a battery Cox said swelling or a device that is too hot to hold for more than a few seconds are signs that it is time to safely dispose of it.

“Now you don’t want to throw it in the trash,” Cox said. “Take it to a place like complete electronics recycling, or you can even just bring it to a repair shop like ours, or Lowes or Home Depot. They can all recycle lithium-ion batteries.”

Check with a recycling location or retailer before dropping off a battery, particularly if it is swollen or damaged.

Online shoppers can also check for product recalls and safety alerts. In the Amazon app, users can look under their profile for recalls and safety alerts related to recent orders.

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ON YOUR SIDE: Local experts share tips to prevent lithium-ion battery fires

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