Watch Hill FD shares lithium-ion battery charging tips after vehicle fire in Westerly

Cate Hanewich,
The Rhode Island State Fire Marshal, K-9 Dream, and the Watch Hill Fire Department are investigating the cause of the fire.  (courtesy: Watch Hill Fire Department)

WESTERLY, R.I. (WLNE) — The Watch Hill Fire Department shared lithium-ion battery charging safety tips after a vehicle fire Monday morning.

Firefighters responded to a local boat yard around 10:22 a.m. for reports of a vehicle fire.

At the scene, firefighters discovered smoke coming from a work van.

According to the department, the vehicle’s owner had extinguished most of the flames prior to the firefighters arrival, and crews extinguished remaining hot spots.

Nobody was injured.

The department said the preliminary cause of the flames “appears to be related to a charging lithium-ion battery.”

The Watch Hill Fire Department shared the following lithium-ion battery charging safety tips:

  • Use the charger provided with the device, or one recommended by the manufacturer
  • Never charge batteries on soft surfaces or in direct sunlight
  • Do not leave charging batteries unattended
  • Do not use battery if it shows signs of damage
  • Store and charge batteries in a cool and dry area

The Rhode Island State Fire Marshal, K-9 Dream, and the Watch Hill Fire Department are investigating the cause of the fire.

Categories: News, Rhode Island

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