February 16, 2024
Olympia – Lithium-ion batteries supply power to many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, e-scooters, bikes, cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys, and even cars. If damaged or used incorrectly, these batteries can catch on fire or explode.
In a report completed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 208 fire incidents from 2021 to November of 2022, which resulted in 19 fatalities caused by lithium-ion battery fires or overheating of batteries. An increasing number of events have occurred across the United States and continues to grow as the number of battery-operated devices hit the consumer market in the quest of clean energy.
In Washington State, lithium-ion batteries are included in the National Fire Incident Reporting System under the fire module “Heat Source.” Particularly, battery fire incidents can be included in arcing, and radiated or conducted heat from operating equipment accounting for over 1,200 incidents from 2022 to 2023.
For lithium-ion battery equipment, follow these safety tips to help keep you and your family safe:
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- Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
- Only use charging cords that come with the device.
- Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a sofa.
- Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
- Only use the battery that is designed for the device.
- Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.
- Put batteries in the device the right way.
- Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).
For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3929.
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