NC agencies warn about dangers of lithium batteries during Fire Prevention Week

WILSON, N.C. (WNCN) – This week is Fire Prevention Week, and the NC State Fire Marshal’s Office and Wilson Fire Department are warning you about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries. 

Inside a room at the Wilson Fire Department’s Training Center, a lithium-ion battery catches fire while charging after it was accidentally dropped.

It’s only a scenario, but the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Wilson Fire Department say that’s how quickly and easily these batteries catch fire.

They say in many cases the fire starts at night when someone leaves the battery charging for long periods of time.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office says if you have a lithium-ion battery follow these tips:

• Only purchase batteries from reputable sources and ensure they are listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. 

• Do not overcharge. Unplug once a battery is fully charged.

• Use only the manufacturer-recommended charger for your device. 

• Stop using devices if the battery shows damage: unusual odor, heat, popping sounds, swelling, or discoloration. 

• Never toss lithium-ion batteries in the trash or recycling bin — use a designated collection site

“Everybody goes online and purchases extra batteries, my batteries went bad, I’m gonna order a cheaper battery, that’s not always a good idea because those batteries were not listed for that piece of equipment and those are the types that we’re finding that we have the most concern with,” said NC Fire Marshal Brian Taylor.

Fire Prevention Week runs until Oct. 11.