(COLUMBIA, MO) ~ Columbia, MO - In the past week, the Columbia Fire Department has been called to two separate residential structure fires involving lithium-ion batteries. The first incident occurred on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 2:10 p.m. in the 4600 block of Connery Court. The fire was reported by a resident who noticed heavy flames coming from the garage and attic.

Upon arrival, the first crew was met with a challenging situation as they worked to control the fire. Despite this, they were able to arrive within six minutes and quickly assess the situation. Fortunately, all occupants of the home were alerted by smoke alarms and were able to safely evacuate before the fire department arrived. No injuries were reported.

The second incident took place on Monday, Feb. 17 at 12:26 a.m. in the 5400 block of Baseline Place. This time, flames had already spread from outside of a duplex into the attic space above the garage when firefighters arrived within three minutes of receiving the call.

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Thanks to their swift response and efficient teamwork, crews were able to bring this fire under control in just ten minutes. They remained on scene for several hours afterwards to ensure there were no additional hotspots.

According to Columbia Fire Marshals, both fires have been deemed accidental and caused by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are commonly used in various devices such as smartphones, power tools and video game consoles. However, if mishandled or used improperly, they can pose serious fire hazards.

To prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, it is important for individuals to properly store their lithium-ion batteries when not in use. This includes keeping them in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Extreme temperatures can also degrade battery performance and increase the risk of malfunction.

In case of any damage or malfunctioning batteries, it is crucial to refrain from using them and dispose of them properly. If you notice any warning signs such as excessive heat, swelling, unusual noises, odor or smoke, it is important to discontinue use immediately and call 911.

The Columbia Fire Department urges residents to take these precautions seriously in order to prevent any further incidents involving lithium-ion batteries. By following these safety measures, individuals can help keep themselves and their homes safe from potential fire hazards.

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