Lithium Battery In Electric Scooter Catches Fire In Newport Apartment

NEWPORT, RI — Newport firefighters extinguished an apartment fire Wednesday caused by a lithium battery in an electric scooter.

Fire officials said they were called to a sixth-floor fire at Donovan Manor on Chapel Street around 9:25 p.m. Upon arrival, crews encountered smoke on the sixth floor, and one resident was taken to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence with difficulty breathing, fire officials said.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the battery fire and lowered the scooter out of the window with ropes.

Working in coordination with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Newport Fire Department is working to raise awareness regarding risks associated with lithium batteries

"The Newport Fire Department encourages residents to learn more about the hazards of lithium-ion batteries," Deputy Fire Chief Christopher Mariotti said. "By better understanding how lithium-ion battery fires start, people can take the necessary steps to minimize associated risks and safely use their electronics and other devices powered by these batteries."

NFPA and the Newport Fire Department, recommend these tips when buying, charging, storing, and using lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fires:

• Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.
• Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device. To be safe, use only the charging equipment that is supplied with your device.
• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is always the best option. Take the batteries to a battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal instructions.
• Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color.
• Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional.

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