Wilmington Fire Department urges caution with lithium-ion batteries
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Fire Department is sounding the alarm as lithium-ion batteries emerge as the primary cause of fires and fire-related deaths in New York City, mirroring concerns for safety in the Cape Fear region.
“It just takes one tiny spark, one unattended scooter being charged, one phone that’s using a janky cord to really get out of control and that’s when property and lives are lost,” said Wendy Giannini-King, the Community Risk Reduction Coordinator for the Wilmington Fire Department.
These batteries, prevalent in smartphones, laptops, power tools, electric scooters, and some cars, are small but potent energy storage devices prone to fire or explosion if mishandled. Overcharging or using non-safety-approved cords can trigger hazardous incidents.
“That means don’t leave something plugged in when you leave home. Don’t leave those batteries on the rack in the garage all the time. Just charge them as needed, standby and make sure they’re charging correctly,” said Giannini-King. “If you do notice anything damaged, broken, getting hot, maybe starting to smell, or even starting to smoke you need to unplug it and abandon the use of it immediately.”
She further advised against charging batteries near exits, stressing the need to keep pathways clear for safety evacuation. Batteries at the end of their lives shouldn’t find their way into the trash; recycling, particularly through programs like New Hanover County’s mobile hazardous waste collection, offers a safer alternative.
As lithium-ion batteries take the lead as fire culprits, proactive measures in the Cape Fear area aim to prevent potential disasters before they ignite.
