Firefighters spent time on Sunday battling a blaze that started with medical-grade lithium-ion batteries that were piled up in large barrels and pails.
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Crews were called to the 7000 block of Beaver Dam Road in Bristol Township at 4:27 p.m. for numerous calls of a building fire as thick black smoke pour into the air, according to officials.
Crews arrived to find the battery fire in the rear of a scrap yard in an area with rubbish, Edgely Fire Company Chief Brian Cirard said.
It took crews about an hour to put the batteries out and clear the scene, the chief said.
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Cirard explained that the rain, damaged and exposed batteries, and likely a few lives ones thrown in led to the fire.
The makeup of lithium-ion batteries can cause the fires to be stubborn and dangerous to extinguish. However, in the Bristol Township blaze, firefighters were able to use water to put out the flames, Cirard said.
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The business was closed at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
In addition to the Edgely Fire Company, the Levittown No. 2 and Third District fire companies responded.
Cirard warned residents of the dangers of lithium-ion batteries that are not used or stored properly. The batteries often accompany e-bikes and e-scooters.
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The below information is from the National Fire Protection Association:
What are some safety tips for buying, charging, storing, and using lithium-ion batteries in devices like laptops, phones, tools, and more?
- Purchase batteries that are only listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and labeled accordingly.
- Stop charging a battery once it is full.
- Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device. To be safe, use only the charging equipment that is supplied with your device.
- Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color.
- Have all repairs performed by a qualified professional.
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Where is the safest place to charge batteries in e-bikes and electric vehicles?
When it comes to e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles, the safest place to charge these devices is outdoors away from any structure or enclosure and not in direct sunlight. Do not charge a battery when either the charger or the battery is damaged. Do not store batteries in extremely hot or cold locations or in an area that blocks the only exit out of to a room. And do not attempt to modify the battery or charger.
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