Fire Official Warns Residents Of Lithium-Ion Battery Risk

Bucks County residents are being warned by interim county Fire Marshal Ryan Brooks about the increasing fire hazards posed by the lithium-ion batteries powering common household devices.

The national theme for this year’s fire prevention week, “Charge Into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries In Your Home.”

The goal is to shine a spotlight on the safe use, charging, and recycling of batteries that power devices like smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, and power tools.

“More and more, our daily lives depend on these devices powered by these batteries,” Brooks said. “While convenient, these batteries carry risks if they are damaged, overcharged, or not stored correctly.

The National Fire Protection Association has reported an increase in battery-related fires. Numerous fires in Bucks County have been caused or made worse by lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start fires, or explode if misused, damaged, or improperly charged.

Brooks encouraged a “buy, charge, and recycle safely” approach.

As modern fires burn faster than ever, potentially giving residents as little as three minutes to escape, the countywide fire official warned residents to keep alert for danger.

“That means the choices you make before an emergency — testing alarms, checking your extinguishers, and planning your escape plan — are the choices that save lives,” Brooks said.

The fire marshal urged every household to take three simple steps: test smoke alarms, check fire extinguishers, and review family escape plans. He also encouraged residents to check on neighbors who may need help with these measures.

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half, according to Brooks. Alarms should be replaced every 10 years and tested at least once yearly.

Extinguishers have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years and should be checked monthly to ensure readiness, he said.

“Small actions taken together make our entire community safer,” Brooks said. “Fire moves fast, safety starts faster. Prepare today.”

Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie, a Democrat, noted that local fire companies often provide assistance to elderly residents or those with disabilities who cannot reach their smoke or carbon monoxide detectors to check them.

Residents can call their local fire company or fire marshal for help with checking or changing batteries.

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