Safety tips for lithium-ion batteries after Pittsfield fire
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A large fire was put out at a homeless shelter in Pittsfield Wednesday night.
Pittsfield police warn residents of retired officer impersonation scheme
The Pittsfield Fire Department states that at 7:59 p.m. on Wednesday, crews were sent to 360 West Housatonic Street, Soldier On, for a reported building fire. When crews arrived, a large, open-air shed was fully on fire. The fire was put out within 30 minutes.
The main Soldier On building nearby was damaged on the roof and some of the windows. The cause of the fire was determined to be a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery-powered E-Bike. The bike was found charging when it started a 'thermal runaway' of one or more Li-ion fuel cells. The fire then spread to the entire shed. No injuries were reported.
Lithium-ion batteries can be found in many household items such as cell phones, laptops and tablets, watches, e-bikes, vape devices, electric vehicles, power tools, and many children's toys.
These types of batteries are known for melting, catching fire, and even exploding sometimes. Lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones and laptops to scooters and electric vehicles, and they pack a lot of power into a small device. These products should be unplugged after they are finished charging to prevent a fire or explosion.
To properly dispose of lithium-ion batteries, they can be brought to a household hazardous waste collection site or a battery recycling center such as Staples, Home Depot, and Lowe's. To find a location near you, visit Call2Recycle.org.
Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions
Only use the battery and charging cord that is designed for the device
Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or a couch
Plug the charger directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension cord
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°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).
Do not leave them in a hot car, in direct sunlight, or freezing temperatures
Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire
Store scooters and e-bikes outdoors if possible. If you must store them indoors, keep them away from doors, windows, and stairways
Have working smoke alarms and a home escape plan that includes two ways out
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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