Fire marshal urges lithium‑ion battery caution during Fire Prevention Week; provides recycling locations

Lake Havasu City Fire Marshal Nathan Adler focused the Oct. 3 meeting discussion on Fire Prevention Week and on safety with household lithium‑ion batteries.

What officials said: Adler told the audience that lithium‑ion batteries power everyday devices — phones, watches, power tools — and that while their failure rate is low, damaged or improperly charged batteries can overheat and ignite. He advised buying batteries from recognized manufacturers/test labs, using manufacturer‑provided chargers, charging devices on hard flat surfaces (not on beds or sofas) and recycling damaged or end‑of‑life rechargeable batteries rather than disposing of them in household trash.

Local recycling and collection: Adler and staff said big‑box retailers in Lake Havasu City — Home Depot, Lowe’s and Staples — accept rechargeable battery recycling. The city also plans a household hazardous‑waste collection event on Dec. 13 that staff said will accept damaged rechargeable batteries, and staff said an online searchable directory of recycling locations is available.

Recent incidents and rationale: staff described recent local incidents associated with rechargeable batteries, including a garage fire in a multifamily unit suppressed by sprinklers and suspected battery‑related fires in trash and landfill loads. Adler said municipal multifamily sprinkler requirements helped prevent injuries in one recent event.

Public actions: staff asked residents to be aware of charging practices, to recycle batteries at the listed locations and to attend Fire Prevention Week events and information offerings.