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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 can let oxygen in and “boom” — a rapid fire can follow. He displayed and described swollen laptop batteries as an indicator a cell needs immediate replacement.
The chief advised residents not to leave batteries charging unattended and to remove them from chargers once they reach full charge. He also recommended using manufacturer-approved chargers rather than mixing chargers that only “fit,” and to inspect cables and charger housings for damage. “Always use the approved charger by that manufacturer. Try not to throw it into a different charger, just because it fits,” King said.
King recommended buying batteries that carry UL or CE certification and warned about counterfeit or uncertified products sold online. He cited New York City’s proactive rules on attended charging as an example of places that have tightened requirements after seeing fires linked to batteries.
On disposal, King warned against putting lithium-ion cells in household trash because compaction and handling in trash trucks can break cells and cause fires. He directed residents to battery recycling resources such as calltorecycle.org and said the fire division will accept or direct people to proper recycling options.
Allison Elliott, chief of the Springfield Police Department, agreed that convenience from online shopping can mask risks and said residents should check certifications before buying. Both chiefs framed the guidance as preventive: certified products, attended charging, proper chargers and recycling reduce the chance of fast-moving fires that could block escape routes.
The chiefs encouraged listeners to bring damaged batteries to designated recycling centers and to follow manufacturers’ guidance on charging and storage. They did not announce any new local regulation; the recommendations were safety guidance from the fire division based on recent incidents and NFPA fire-prevention themes.
