SAN DIEGO — San Diego fire officials reported an increase in fires related to lithium batteries, prompting calls for public awareness about proper usage, storage and disposal of these potentially explosive power sources.
In the city of San Diego alone, firefighters respond to approximately two lithium battery-related fires per week.
Jeremy Davis from the Lakeside Fire Department emphasized the growing concern, stating, "We have seen an uptick in some fires." He noted that many of these incidents could be prevented with proper precautions.
One common cause of these fires is the use of incompatible charging equipment. Davis warned against using outlets or cords not designed for lithium battery charging, as this can lead to dangerous situations.
The problem extends beyond city limits, affecting the entire county. Lithium battery fires are particularly hazardous due to their toxic nature and ability to burn for days. Common household items containing these batteries include rechargeable devices such as electric toothbrushes.
Fire officials stressed the importance of proper disposal methods for lithium batteries. In California, all types of batteries are classified as hazardous waste and should not be thrown in regular trash. Instead, residents are advised to use designated recycling events or the city's Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility.
A city representative explained, "The city operates a household hazardous waste transfer facility that's available on Saturdays by appointment, and we're looking to expand the services. And there's typically about eight outreach events that happen in the communities for battery and lab collection events."
As the use of lithium battery-powered devices continues to grow, fire officials urged San Diego County residents to educate themselves on safe handling practices to prevent potentially devastating fires. Information on proper disposal methods and recycling events can be found here.