The Bay District VFD is working in coordination with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to raise awareness about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and ways to minimize them. NFPA’s new campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™”, includes an expanded series of resources, guidelines, and information in response to the concerns fire officials have about the growing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries that power micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters, smaller electronics such as cell phones and laptops, and electric vehicles. As the use of these items has increased in recent years, so, too, has the number of fires associated with them.

“Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly found in the many devices and systems we use every day,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “With this greater use, however, we are seeing an uptick in related fires, prompting people to contact us frequently with questions about battery safety. In response, NFPA created the ‘Charge into Fire Safety’ campaign with information that helps answer these questions clearly and thoroughly, in one easy-to-find location.”

NFPA and Bay DIstrict VFD recommend these tips when buying, charging, storing, and using lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fires:

• Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.
• Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device. To be safe, use only the charging equipment that is supplied with your device.
• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is always the best option. Take the batteries to a battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal instructions.
• Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color.
• Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional.

“The Bay District VFD encourages residents to learn more about the hazards of lithium-ion batteries,” said Fire Chief Joseph Gould. “By better understanding how lithium-ion battery fires start, people can take the necessary steps to minimize associated risks and safely use their electronics and other devices powered by these batteries.”

Learn more about the “Charge into Fire Safety” campaign and download free safety tip sheets at nfpa.org/lithiumionsafety.