HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Greater than a 3rd of Oahu’s unintentional fires between 2020 and 2022 concerned lithium ion batteries, the Honolulu Fireplace Division mentioned Wednesday.
Of the 167 unintentional fires on Oahu throughout that interval, the HFD mentioned 58 concerned these kinds of batteries.
Nonetheless, none of those fires concerned fatalities, hearth officers mentioned.
“Fortunately, there have solely been minor accidents due to lithium ion batteries,” mentioned HFD hearth investigator Kamehalani Ortiz.
“And we wish to hold it at zero.”
Lithium ion batteries are used for a bunch of digital merchandise equivalent to cell telephones, laptop computer computer systems, cordless drills, electrical scooters, and even electrical automobiles.
The batteries are usually protected however when misused, broken or saved incorrectly, they’ll spark a blaze.
“In the event that they grow to be broken, overcharged or overheated, then chemical reactions can happen throughout the cells leading to a self heating state often known as thermal run away,” mentioned HFD Battalion Chief Blake Takahashi.
These fires trigger tens of millions of {dollars} in damages. However throughout a information convention Wednesday, HFD officers outlined among the preventative measures customers can take.
“If you happen to’re going to cost a cellular phone, please don’t cost it on the mattress or close to any combustibles,” mentioned HFD Capt. Ricardo Yost.
“When buying units, be sure that it has an underwriters’ laboratory mark which reveals that the product has been safely examined.”
Added HFD Capt. Jonathan Darr: “For giant gadgets like energy instruments … I cost them on my my lanai outdoors however not within the direct sunligh.”
“I do it after I’m house. I don’t depart issues charging in a single day.”
Fireplace officers added that outdated and broken batteries shouldn’t be thrown away within the rubbish.
As an alternative, attain out to town Division of Environmental Service’s Recycling Department at 808-768-3201.
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