HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – More than a third of accidental fires on Oahu between 2020 and 2022 will involve lithium-ion batteries, the Honolulu Fire Department said Wednesday.
Of the 167 accidental fires on Oahu during that period, 58 involved these types of batteries, HFD said.
However, none of the fires were fatal, fire officials said.
“Fortunately, the lithium-ion battery caused only minor injuries,” said HFD Fire Investigator Kamehalani Ortiz.
“And we want to keep it at zero.”
Lithium-ion batteries are used in many electronic products such as mobile phones, laptop computers, cordless drills, electric scooters, and even electric vehicles.
Batteries are generally safe, but they can catch fire if misused, damaged, or improperly stored.
“If they are damaged, overcharged, or overheated, chemical reactions can occur within the cells, creating a self-heating condition known as thermal runaway,” said HFD battalion commander Blake Takahashi. said.
These fires cause millions of dollars in damages. But at a press conference on Wednesday, HFD officials outlined some precautions consumers can take.
“If you’re going to charge your phone, don’t charge it on your bed or near flammable materials,” said HFD captain Ricardo Yost.
“When buying a device, make sure it has the insurance company’s inspection mark to show that the product has been tested for safety.”
HFD Captain Jonathan Dar added:
“I do it when I’m home. I don’t leave it charging overnight.”
Fire officials added that old and damaged batteries should not be thrown in the garbage.
Instead, contact the recycling department of the city’s Department of Environmental Services at 808-768-3201.
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