MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
A recent fire at the Reno County landfill has prompted local fire officials to issue renewed warnings about the dangers of improperly handled lithium-ion batteries.
Hutchinson Fire Marshal Michael Cain cited rising fire safety concerns tied to the popular batteries, which power everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and e-scooters.
“You are correct — lithium-ion batteries are becoming a large issue, not only here, but throughout the country,” Cain said. “People don’t realize just how much we rely on them.”
According to Cain, improper charging, exposure to high temperatures, and incorrect disposal are key factors in battery-related fires. In many cases, consumers overcharge their devices or leave them plugged in under hazardous conditions, such as inside hot vehicles during the summer months.
“That can cause the batteries to go into what’s called thermal runaway,” Cain said. “They’ll catch fire or, in some cases, even explode.”
Cain added that education and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are essential. Swelling in phone batteries, for example, is often a sign of failure, though protective cases can sometimes hide the warning signs.
Officials also emphasized that lithium-ion battery fires require specialized firefighting equipment. Traditional water methods are ineffective and even dangerous.
“We’ve got a new foam trailer to help with that,” Cain said. “Once those car batteries get going, they’re very difficult to put out.”
(LINK) Recycling lithium-ion batteries and other hazardous household waste
The recent fire at the landfill originated from lithium-ion batteries improperly discarded in the general waste pit, where heavy equipment further damaged them, creating a volatile situation.
“Once they're in the pit and they get degraded or crushed, it’s a real challenge to suppress that fire,” Cain said. “You don’t know what else might catch fire in there.”
To prevent future incidents, the fire department urges residents not to toss batteries into household trash. Instead, they should be taken to the landfill’s designated battery disposal area or dropped off at local retailers equipped to handle hazardous recycling.
Home Depot, Lowe’s and Harbor Freight are other locations in town where the batteries can be recycled.
As lithium-ion battery use continues to expand, officials say proper handling and disposal are crucial to keeping the community safe.