Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fire Prevention topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Carroll County declares Fire Prevention Week; officials warn of lithium‑ion battery fire risks
Summary
County commissioners proclaimed Oct. 5–11 Fire Prevention Week and the fire chief urged residents to buy certified batteries and dispose of them properly after describing a rise in battery-related fires and the difficulties firefighters face when lithium batteries ignite.
The Carroll County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Oct. 5–11 Fire Prevention Week and used the occasion to highlight growing risks from lithium‑ion batteries in household devices.
Chief Mike Robinson, director of Fire & EMS, told commissioners that lithium‑ion batteries — which power phones, laptops, e‑bikes and other consumer electronics — can overheat if damaged, improperly charged or charged with off‑brand chargers that lack third‑party safety certification. "These batteries… can actually explode," Robinson said, adding that when batteries enter a state of ‘‘thermal runaway’’ they can release gases and produce very hot, persistent fires.
Robinson and other emergency services officials urged three actions for residents: buy only products evaluated by recognized third‑party labs (such as UL or CSA), charge batteries safely and recycle them responsibly. He also urged people not to leave devices continually on chargers and noted that imported, uncertified batteries sold through informal retail channels are a particular concern.
County staff flagged practical steps for residents: bring small lithium batteries to the county hazardous‑waste collection (the county scheduled an event 8 a.m.–noon at the vehicle maintenance center) and drop them off at participating electronics retailers. Robinson described the operational strain on first responders when devices ignite: "Some of these fires, we can't actually put them out. It takes copious quantities of water," he said, noting county hazmat procedures and work with the Maryland Department of Environment.
Commissioners and volunteer fire representatives also highlighted community outreach plans. Robinson said county stations will visit elementary schools and hold open houses this fall; volunteer companies and the County Volunteer Emergency Services Association (CCVisa) emphasized that fire prevention education is a year‑round effort. Rick Baker, chair of the Emergency Services Advisory Council, advised residents to use the manufacturer’s charger with each device: "Don't switch chargers with the products because sometimes they're not compatible and that will potentially cause a reaction."
The board's proclamation names this year's Fire Prevention Week theme as "Charge into Fire Safety: lithium‑ion batteries in your home," and lists charging, buying certified products and proper recycling as priority actions. County officials asked residents to watch educational videos the county and volunteer companies plan to publish and to attend upcoming station open houses to learn more.
Speakers quoted in this article are limited to those on the record in the meeting.
