AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in smartphones, laptops, e-bikes and power tools and have become a growing fire hazard.
According to the Amarillo Fire Department, while these batteries are efficient and long-lasting, they can overheat and rupture, leading to explosive fires that are difficult to control.
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“We’re starting to see a lot more of these lithium-ion battery devices coming into people’s possessions. They’re in very common household items, cell phones, laptops, iPads, smart watches, digital cameras, all of these rechargeable cordless battery tools, things of that nature,” said Jason Love, Amarillo Fire Department Community Educator. “What we’re seeing is a lot of people are overcharging these things, and it’s causing the batteries themselves to heat up and rupture. When they do that, they kind of create kind of an explosive-type environment and will really catch a room on fire very quickly, and they’re self-sustaining, so it’s not easy to put out as well.”
Officials are also warning about the dangers of using non-approved chargers and cords. Off-brand and cheaper chargers can cause overheating and potentially lead to fires. This can cause excessive heat buildup, making the device unsafe.
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AFD said consumers should check for signs of bad batteries, such as bulging, hissing, or smoke. Experts recommend not leaving devices plugged in once fully charged to prevent overheating and use approved chargers…