ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Firefighters have responded to a second fire caused by lithium batteries in just two days.
The Ann Arbor Fire Department responded to a call just after 6 p.m. about a house fire on the 700 block of South Seventh Street on Saturday, June 6.
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Investigators on the scene found the basement of the house filled with smoke. Lithium batteries were found to have started on fire due to thermal runway but burned through a waterline that, luckily, put out the fire.
Officials said the home only sustained soot and smoke damage. No one was injured.
Firefighters responded to a fire in the basement of the Pretzel Bell restaurant on Ann Arbor’s Main Street on Friday, July 5. That fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery for a leaf blower set on an electrical switch gearbox. The restaurant is closed until repairs can be made.
The fire department has these recommendations for those using or storing lithium batteries.
- Only use and purchase batteries from the original equipment manufacturer as these meet manufacturer standards. Knock-off brands may not meet these standards.
- Remove batteries from chargers when fully charged. Only charge batteries at home with adult supervision.
- Do not charge batteries that have been damaged. Recycle them at the appropriate facility.
- Don’t charge batteries in exit areas, including scooters.
- Charge batteries in an area with working smoke detectors.
Read: Basement fire sparked by lithium-ion battery closes Ann Arbor restaurant