The theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is ‘Charge into Fire Safety’ focusing on the risks of improper use, sourcing, and disposal of lithium ion batteries. Whether it’s a cell-phone, vacuum cleaner, or other personal electronic device, if you plug it in to recharge it, it likely has a lithium ion battery. Member of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Trevor Choffe says even he got caught purchasing a replacement battery online he thought would be safe to use.
Trevor noted a recent review of 470 fires caused by Dyson vacuums found that all of the ones involved were using after-market uncertified batteries. Charging is another major fire risk area when improper cords, charging blocks, and methods are used.
Items being charged should never be left on soft flammable surfaces and phones charge safer when they’re not being used while plugged in.
Recycling these rechargeable batteries is another area of concern for fire departments as flames can easily break out if the battery contacts touch anything that can transmit electricity in the trash. Trevor notes there are safe alternatives readily available.
Electric scooters and other personal mobility devices are high on the list for fire causes and extra care should be taken when recharging them. To find local battery recycling facilities, check out recycleyourbatteries.ca
Story by Brian Turner