Kamloops, BC—Kamloops Fire Rescue is joining fire services across North America and the National Fire Protection Association® in recognizing International Fire Prevention Week, October 5–11, with a local focus on the hidden risks of lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we rely on daily, including cell phones, laptops, power tools, gaming consoles, baby monitors, vaping pens, and hearing aids. While convenient and powerful, these batteries can overheat, explode, and release toxic smoke if damaged, overcharged, or used with the wrong charger.
Improper disposal is also a growing concern. Already this year, there have been four fires at the Emterra Material Recycling Facility in Kamloops, all suspected to have been caused by lithium-ion batteries that were placed in curbside recycling or garbage. These fires create dangerous situations for waste management personnel and pose a significant risk to critical infrastructure.
“Lithium-ion batteries are part of everyday life, but if mishandled, they present a serious fire hazard,” said Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc. “We want residents to understand that these incidents can be prevented by following simple safety measures. By taking precautions, we can significantly reduce the risk of dangerous fires in our homes, at recycling facilities, and throughout our community.”
Kamloops Fire Rescue recommends the following safety tips:
- Buy smart: Only purchase certified products with safety marks such as UL, ETL, or CSA.
- Charge safely: Use the charger provided by the manufacturer, charge on a hard surface, unplug once charged, and avoid charging e-bikes and scooters indoors whenever possible.
- Recycle responsibly: Batteries should never be thrown in the garbage or placed in curbside recycling. Residents can find safe recycling sites at RecycleYourBatteries.ca.
For more information and home fire safety tips, visit Kamloops.ca/HomeFireSafety.
