Coalinga Fire warns dangers of lithium-ion batteries after apartment fire

COALINGA, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – The Coalinga Fire Department is warning people to store and dispose of lithium-ion batteries properly after responding to an apartment fire caused by batteries on Tuesday.

Crews say they responded to a report of an apartment fire with smoke showing. When they arrived there was light smoke coming out of a second-story window.

According to firefighters, upon entering the apartment they were met with a light haze and a burning electrical smell. As they made their way to the bedrooms the smoke became more intense.

Crews say they discovered a pile of electronics with clothing and other combustible materials smoldering inside a closet. In that pile, crews discovered multiple lithium-ion battery packs.

The batteries, firefighters say were extremely hot to the touch and had ignited the materials around them.

Firefighters say that the homeowner was home and discovered the smoke and contacted 911 immediately.

According to the Coalinga Fire Department, lithium-ion battery fires are becoming more common as the average is one a week nationwide.

Firefighters say to stop using lithium-ion batteries if there’s an unusual odor, change in color, excessive heat, change is shape, leaking and odd noises like popping or hissing.

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