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Orange County Fire Authority warns of lithium-ion battery fire risk during Fire Prevention Week
Summary
Orange County Fire Authority representatives and Garden Grove officials used the council proclamation for Fire Prevention Week to highlight dangers from lithium-ion batteries and urged simple precautions—unplug after charging, buy quality chargers, replace damaged cords and dispose batteries through hazardous-waste channels.
The Garden Grove City Council adopted a proclamation recognizing October as Fire Prevention Month and heard a presentation from Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Craig Covey on the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in homes.
Covey showed video and images from recent incidents—house and garage fires caused by thermal runaway in lithium batteries—and emphasized that those fires can "flash over" rooms in two to three minutes. "When they do a thermal runaway, they really explode," Covey said. He warned consumers that cheaper off-brand batteries and cords are more prone to failure and urged residents to unplug devices when charging, replace damaged cords with manufacturer-recommended replacements, avoid overcharging, and properly dispose of degraded batteries via county hazardous-waste programs.
Councilmembers and the mayor praised the OCFA presentation and agreed to use the proclamation to promote public education. Chief Covey noted recent local incidents, said daytime and overnight scooter and e-bike charging in garages and bedrooms poses risks, and recommended guidance and outreach materials available at ocfa.org.
