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Birmingham Fire Department Warns About the Dangers of Lithium Ion Batteries Following Two Recent House Fires

BIRMINGHAM, Ala – A grave caution has been issued by the Birmingham Fire Department concerning the inherent risks associated with lithium-ion batteries following two recent house fires in the area. According to officials, the fires, which occurred during the past two weeks, were traced back to lithium-ion batteries, una situation that has prompted city fire officials to alert the community.

Lithium Ion Batteries: Ubiquitous yet Dangerous

Lithium-ion batteries are present in a wide array of devices, ranging from laptops and mobile phones to vacuum cleaners and power tools. While highly efficient, these batteries can pose severe threats if they are improperly charged or if they overheat. Such mishaps can potentially lead to a deadly fire disaster, as evidenced in the two recent fires in Birmingham.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief, Clay Hendon, emphasized that while lithium-ion technology is inherently safe, using proper chords and replacement batteries is paramount. Opting for cheaper, non-standard alternatives could lead to disastrous results:

“Everyone wants to save money, I get it. I am guilty of that myself, but when you see stories like behind us, that ten to fifteen dollars that you may have saved on a charger could possibly cost you your life or your home,”

said Battalion Chief Hendon.

Underwriter Laboratories (UL) Tested Cords: A Precautionary Measure

In order to mitigate risks, it’s essential to use Underwriter Laboratories (UL) tested cords and devices. Not doing so can make a home vulnerable to fires. Firefighters detailed one recent incident where the second floor of a house was scorched after a lithium battery overheated and caught fire. The owner was reportedly away from the device for just a few minutes when the battery went into ‘thermal runaway’ triggering a fire.

Disposing of Lithium Ion Batteries

Another concern raised by the fire department was the disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Improper disposal, such as throwing used batteries into regular trash cans, could potentially lead to fires inside trash compactors or garbage trucks. Fire department officials advise that used lithium-ion batteries should be handed over to recycling centres such as those found at stores like Lowes, Home Depot, or Staples.

An Appeal to the Public

The Birmingham Fire Department urges the public to take these precautions seriously to avoid any potential fire disasters in the future. With the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries, understanding their dangers and taking necessary steps towards safe usage and disposal is everyone’s responsibility.

Author: HERE Birmingham