How to protect your family from lithium-ion battery fires

SPOKANE, Wash. - Multiple agencies in Spokane are raising awareness of the dangers of lithium-ion batteries.

The Battery Smart Spokane campaign held a press conference Tuesday to discuss the potential risks these batteries pose to the public.

Lithium-ion batteries can be found in many electronic devices, including electronic scooters, cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicles.

As the use of these batteries has gone up in recent years, so has the amount of battery-related fire calls.

"The last couple of fires we've had in the City of Spokane, (people have) been charging them at night," said Spokane's Deputy Chief and Fire Marshall Lance Dahl.

A small spark can cause major problems, especially for waste facilities in Spokane.

"Sadly enough, it's something that's second nature," said Quinn Gonder, operations manager for Spokane County Transfer Stations. "We deal with it so much. But my fear is always what comes out of those batteries."

Gonder said the smoke from lithium-ion battery fires is toxic, containing heavy materials.

The Spokane Counties Transfer Stations handle waste after it's left your house. Gonder said he has seen multiple fires caused by lithium-ion batteries ending in the trash.

"It's a bad scenario all the way around," Gonder said.

Thad Trepanier, the manager at Batteries + Bulbs, said it's important to notice when your electronics start showing signs of distress.

"When you notice you're getting less run time," Trepanier said. "Any swelling of the battery that you can see. You know, maybe your phone is bulging or your iPad screen is starting to come off by itself."

If a device show any signs of bulging or distress, it's time to replace it.

Here are some tips Battery Smart Spokane recommends when buying, charging, storing, and disposing lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fires:

• Only use devices, batteries and chargers from a nationally recognized testing lab.
• Use charging equipment compatible with your device.
• Don't keep charging the device after it's fully charged.
• Stop using the device if the battery shows signs of damage like excessive heat, unusual smells, swelling, or changes in color.
• Only have device repairs done by a qualified professional.
• Remove batteries before disposing. Lithium-ion batteries have to be disposed of at household hazardous waste collection areas.
• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash or recycling.

You can learn more about how battery fire start and the necessary steps you can take to minimize risks at the Battery Smart Spokane website.

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