WHITMAN — Chief Timothy Clancy reports that the Whitman Fire Department responded to a home for a fire caused by a lithium-ion phone battery on Friday evening.
On Friday, July 12, at 9:17 p.m., the Whitman Fire Department was notified of a carbon monoxide alarm activation by a facilities manager at a two-and-a-half-story, multiple-occupant house at 26 Park Ave.
While responding to the scene, firefighters learned that the fire was caused by a lithium-ion phone battery and had been extinguished by the building manager, who used a fire extinguisher.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke on the second floor of the house and burn marks on the bed and floor. The fire was contained to one room.
Firefighters ventilated the second floor of the home. The Whitman Board of Health and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department Bureau of Criminal Investigations responded.
The house was deemed habitable by the Whitman Board of Health and the scene was cleared at approximately 10:27 p.m.
No injuries were reported.
Lithium-ion batteries, which are a form of rechargeable batteries used in many cell phones, E-bikes, scooters, tablets, vaping devices and laptops, present fire dangers if users don’t follow product instructions. The Whitman Fire Department reminds the community of the following lithium-ion battery safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration:
- Stop using lithium-ion batteries if you notice an odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises.
- Don’t put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycle them at your local battery recycling location.
- Store spare lithium-ion batteries away from anything that can burn.
- Don’t put lithium-ion batteries in direct sunlight or keep them in hot cars. This is a fire risk.
- Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.
- Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
- Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
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