A fire that caused major damage to a hobby shop and a nearby business in Onset, Massachusetts, over the weekend was likely caused by lithium-ion batteries, according to authorities in Massachusetts.
Onset Fire Rescue responded to 3086 Cranberry Highway, near Cape Cod, at about 11:40 a.m. on January 5, following an alarm activation and a 911 call reporting a fire in the building.
Firefighters arriving at the large, multi-occupancy commercial building observed heavy smoke and began to attack a significant fire in two of the businesses.
The fire went to four alarms, drawing firefighters from across the region. One firefighter was transported to an area hospital and released the same day.
As they controlled the fire, firefighters became aware of hundreds of lithium-ion batteries at the primary fire scene, including some that reignited during overhaul.
They requested a Tier 1 Hazmat response to mitigate the hazard, and state Hazmat technicians loaded the remaining batteries into sand-layered dumpsters for safe removal.
Investigators determined that the fire started accidentally in the front left corner of the store, caused by the failure of a lithium-ion battery in that area.
Store surveillance video shows the beginning of the fire in the location where batteries were stored and charged.
“Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day,” said Chief Osswald. “The fire damage and heavy, toxic smoke from this incident demonstrate just how serious we all have to be about battery safety.”
State Fire Marshal Davine said that approximately 135 lithium-ion battery fires were reported in Massachusetts last year, and that the true number may be even higher.
“When these batteries are abused, overcharged, overheated, or defective, they can fail rapidly and violently in a fire or explosion that also releases toxic, flammable gases,” said Davine.
Chief Osswald and State Fire Marshal Davine offered safety tips for using, storing, and charging lithium-ion batteries, urging people to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to recycle batteries rather than discarding them in the trash:
Storage:
- Read and follow follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
- Store lithium-ion batteries and the devices they power at room temperature whenever possible.
- Store scooters and e-bikes outdoors if possible. If you must store them indoors, keep them away from doors, windows, and stairways. Always keep these routes clear so you can escape and emergency personnel can enter.
Charging:
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions.
- Always use the manufacturer’s battery, cord, and power adapter made specifically for the device. Aftermarket and generic accessories have been linked to serious fires.
- Plug the charger directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension cord.
- Don’t leave a device unattended while charging. Disconnect the charger when the device is fully charged: do not overcharge the device.
- Charge devices on a hard, stable surface -- never on a bed, couch, or pillow.
Use:
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
- Use the battery designed for your device.
- Stop using the battery if it’s damaged.
- Stop using the battery if you notice an unusual odor, change in color, change in shape, leaking, or odd noises. If you can do so safely, move the device away from anything that can burn and call your local fire department.
Disposal:
- Do not discard lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is the best option.
- If and when it’s time to dispose of the battery, don’t put it in the trash. Lithium-ion batteries should be recycled.
- You can find a location to take them at https://www.call2recycle.org/locator/
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