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Springfield chiefs warn of rapid-fire risk from lithium-ion batteries, advise certified charging and recycling
Summary
Fire Chief Jacob King warned that lithium-ion batteries can rapidly ignite and urged residents to avoid unattended charging, use manufacturer-approved chargers and recycle damaged cells.
Fire Chief Jacob King urged Springfield residents to treat lithium-ion batteries with caution, saying they can “off gas” and enter thermal runaway that produces a rapid, dangerous fire. “Most people don't understand the significant risk from lithium ion batteries,” King said, noting the devices are common in hoverboards, scooters, e-bikes and battery-powered yard tools.
King described how a damaged or swollen battery can allow oxygen to contact the lithium cells and combust quickly. “When you drop the battery … it gets a crack. And now we're heating it up for a significant period of time,” King said, adding that a crack…
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