Lithium-ion batteries cause growing concern for fire risk

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Lithium-ion batteries are becoming more and more common in everyday items. Phone, laptops, vacuums, power tools, e-cigarettes and kids' toys are just some of the products that could contain them.

There is a risk of fire if these batteries are not used or disposed of properly, something that has become a growing concern in Colorado's current fire conditions.

In just the last two years, Republic Services, a waste provider in Colorado, has seen a 500% increase in fires at waste facilities across the state that were caused by lithium-ion batteries.

"When [lithium-ion batteries] go into our trucks or in our facilities, if they get too much pressure put on them, they can ignite and then catch the materials around them on fire," Republic Services General Manager Jenny Johnson says.

They can also malfunction and cause fires at your home.

The Monument Fire Department (MFD) says one of the most common incidents they see is people overcharging their batteries. When left charging for too long, the battery can heat up and self-ignite.

These battery fires can be cooled with water but are not easy to stop.

“Those fires can just start extremely fast and spread extremely quickly. They burn with an intensity that is like a lot of heat, so that means there’s less time to potentially evacuate an area,” says Luke Jones, MFD firefighter engineer.

MFD says people should check batteries often for bulging or cracking. Hissing or popping noises and feeling hot to the touch are also signs that the battery is malfunctioning.

MFD suggests keeping your batteries unplugged when not charging and away from direct sunlight. Lithium-ion batteries should always be stored at room temperature.

If you need to replace batteries, be wary. Cheap replacements on websites, like Amazon, may not be properly certified like those directly from the product manufacturer. This means they are at an even higher risk of malfunction.

Lithium-ion batteries can be taken to the El Paso County Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

Various stores like The Home Depot, Best Buy and Batteries Plus also offer free battery disposal.

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