Birmingham Fire Department Warns About the Dangers of Lithium Ion Batteries Following Two Recent House Fires
BIRMINGHAM, Ala – A grave caution has been issued by the Birmingham Fire Department concerning the inherent risks associated with lithium-ion batteries following two recent house fires in the area. According to officials, the fires, which occurred during the past two weeks, were traced back to lithium-ion batteries, una situation that has prompted city fire officials to alert the community.
Lithium Ion Batteries: Ubiquitous yet Dangerous
Lithium-ion batteries are present in a wide array of devices, ranging from laptops and mobile phones to vacuum cleaners and power tools. While highly efficient, these batteries can pose severe threats if they are improperly charged or if they overheat. Such mishaps can potentially lead to a deadly fire disaster, as evidenced in the two recent fires in Birmingham.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief, Clay Hendon, emphasized that while lithium-ion technology is inherently safe, using proper chords and replacement batteries is paramount. Opting for cheaper, non-standard alternatives could lead to disastrous results:
“Everyone wants to save money, I get it. I am guilty of that myself, but when you see stories like behind us, that ten to fifteen dollars that you may have saved on a charger could possibly cost you your life or your home,”
said Battalion Chief Hendon.
Underwriter Laboratories (UL) Tested Cords: A Precautionary Measure
In order to mitigate risks, it’s essential to use Underwriter Laboratories (UL) tested cords and devices. Not doing so can make a home vulnerable to fires. Firefighters detailed one recent incident where the second floor of a house was scorched after a lithium battery overheated and caught fire. The owner was reportedly away from the device for just a few minutes when the battery went into ‘thermal runaway’ triggering a fire.
Disposing of Lithium Ion Batteries
Another concern raised by the fire department was the disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Improper disposal, such as throwing used batteries into regular trash cans, could potentially lead to fires inside trash compactors or garbage trucks. Fire department officials advise that used lithium-ion batteries should be handed over to recycling centres such as those found at stores like Lowes, Home Depot, or Staples.
An Appeal to the Public
The Birmingham Fire Department urges the public to take these precautions seriously to avoid any potential fire disasters in the future. With the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries, understanding their dangers and taking necessary steps towards safe usage and disposal is everyone’s responsibility.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
