The Reno Fire Department, with partners, are promoting National Fire Prevention Week, spreading awareness about the risks that come along with lithium-ion batteries and how to minimize them.
The campaign is themed as “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
Ward 4 Councilmember Meghan Ebert says, "I want to make sure our community is informed and prepared when it comes to the risks of lithium-ion battery fires."
According to RFD, there has been an increasing 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.
Ebert also adds, "It's important that we all take responsibility and stay up to date on best practices. By doing our part, we can help reduce the risk of these types of fires."
Officials also say firefighters have responded to at least nine reported fires related to lithium-ion batteries since 2017.
RFD would like to remind the public that most battery fires go unreported, as homeowners or individuals often extinguish them before they escalate into major incidents.
RFD offers these tips:
- Purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled correctly
- Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device
- Don't 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.
- Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage
- Only have device repairs performed by qualified professionals
To find more information, visit the fire prevention page from the Reno Fire Department and the Fire Prevention Week website.
(The City of Reno and the Reno Fire Department contributed to this story.)
