Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services shared this photo from a house fire in Bellevue, Wash., on Wednesday, believed to be caused by an overheated battery.--HANDOUT PHOTO
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com
Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services has shared safety lessons surrounding the risks of overheating batteries following a house fire Wednesday night in Bellevue, Wash.
Fire crews said the blaze highlights “important safety lessons” related to incidents involving batteries and provided tips to residents over their social media sites Thursday.
Firefighters say although the cause of the fire that occurred around 7:30 p.m. local time Wednesday, which filled the house entirely with smoke, the location the fire started was where a portable battery pack was plugged in and being charged on the bed.
It’s recommended not to leave phone, laptops, tablets or battery packs charging on a soft, flammable surface.
Local crews also say it’s important to keep interior doors closed around the house to prevent fires from easily spreading.
“The door to the bedroom was closed when the fire started. This simple habit prevents a lot of damage,” reads the social media post. “A closed door can slow the spread of fire, heat and toxic smoke, allowing people to safely get out and firefighters to keep the fire contained.”
Recently local firefighters have been ramping up safety awareness on the use and storage of lithium-ion batteries.
Last May crews responded to two structure fire calls caused by lithium-ion batteries and warned the fire hazard increases when batteries are disposed of incorrectly, or when they overheat while in use.
