CLAYTON, N.C. (WTVD) — As we start Fire Prevention Week in North Carolina, the Clayton Fire Department wants to help you stay safe. This year, they’re putting some emphasis on educating and warning people about lithium-ion battery fires. These types of batteries are in most of your electronic devices, including your cell phone.
When you look at your beloved devices or are scrolling on your phone, you’d never think that it may one day hurt you. However, fire officials say you’re more at risk of them catching fire than you think.
“So these lithium-ion batteries go on what they call a runaway, and then it continues to heat, and it will cause it to catch fire,” said Capt. Bryan Belvin with the Clayton Fire Department
Lithium-ion batteries are convenient and powerful, and are found in most of your household devices, and the moment they are overcharged or overheated can cause big problems.
One mistake people were making they were charging it in doorways.
Capt. Bryan Belvin, Clayton FD
“It’s becoming more common now because there’s more items out there. You know, there for a while we were seeing a lot of electric cars, hoverboards or scooters, you were seeing a lot of those because people were leaving them charging. And one mistake people were making they were charging it in doorways. If those things do catch fire, that prevents you from getting out.”
“So just be sure you charge it, make sure you charge them away from exits or doorways or anything like that,” Capt. Belvin advises.
Across the country, incidents involving lithium-ion batteries are on the rise.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported more than 25,000 incidents of overheating or fires related to these batteries over five years, averaging more than 5,000 cases annually.
Captain Bryan Belvin with Clayton Fire says he wants families to be aware of what can happen.
“A lot of people with their cell phones, I know I’m guilty for it, and I try to prevent myself from doing that. But a lot of people carry their cell phone in their back pocket. You’re continually sitting on your cell phone, which is not good for the battery. It can cause the battery to become damaged,” he said.
He added that some devices will let you know when they need to cool down and it’s something you have to keep track of in case it does catch fire.
“Try to unplug it. If you can’t unplug it safely without getting injured, get out. Get out right away, call 911 quickly.”
Captain Belvin said a good rule of thumb is to keep up with the original charger given with devices and avoid cheaper alternatives.
SEE ALSO | Southwest to require passengers to remove lithium batteries from mobility devices
Copyright © 2025 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
