Horry County staff outlines lithium‑ion battery fire‑prevention campaign, updates Conway agreement

County staff told the Public Safety Committee they plan to make lithium‑ion battery safety the theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week in early October and to run a public education campaign aimed at reducing battery‑related fires. The chief analyst, who introduced the item, said: "The theme this year puts a focus on lithium ion batteries, which, as you know, I'm sure you've lost on social media. We've run tons of fires." The presentation framed the campaign as an outreach and prevention effort led by the county’s investigation and operational teams.

Staff also briefed the committee on an updated fire service agreement with the city of Conway. The chief analyst described the contract as an administrative renewal of an expiring agreement and said it "won't affect any operational services we provide," characterizing the change as a next‑step administrative update rather than a change in how fire services are delivered. Committee members took questions but did not request substantive alterations to the agreement during the discussion. The committee proceeded to take routine approvals for the item.