JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — This year’s Fire Prevention Week, set for Oct. 5–11, is zeroing in on a modern fire risk hiding in plain sight: lithium-ion batteries.
From phones and tablets to power tools and toys, rechargeable batteries power nearly every gadget in the home. But if damaged or used improperly, they can overheat, spark fires, or even explode, according to the Missouri Division of Fire Safety.
“Many people don’t realize it, but virtually every electronic device that is rechargeable uses lithium-ion batteries,” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “It’s essential to use, charge and recycle these batteries safely to prevent fires in the home.”
The warning comes just weeks after a Columbia house fire was traced to exploding lithium-ion batteries inside an electric wheelchair, which caused heavy damage to the chair and surrounding area. A house fire in the Eldon area in 2024 was also considered to have likely been triggered by lithium ion batteries.
Officials recommend a few key precautions:
Buy smart: Look for UL, ETL, or CSA safety certifications when purchasing devices.
Charge safely: Use the manufacturer’s charger, keep devices on hard surfaces away from flammable materials, and avoid overcharging.
Recycle responsibly: Never toss lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Instead, take them to a proper recycling site (locations can be found at call2recycle.org).
Fire Prevention Week is part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of fire hazards. More information and safety tips are available at fpw.org.
