News Summary
Fire safety officials in Grand Rapids have raised alarms about the dangers of lithium batteries during Fire Prevention Week. Captain Roy LaGrone emphasizes the risk of fires due to improper handling and disposal of these batteries. Residents are advised to avoid throwing them in regular trash and instead utilize designated disposal facilities. The city has also faced issues with vehicle fires linked to lithium batteries. Additionally, a separate apartment fire highlighted the importance of smoke alarms and fire safety practices. The community is encouraged to stay informed and prepared for fire emergencies.
Grand Rapids—Fire safety officials in Grand Rapids are alerting residents about the fire hazards associated with lithium batteries as part of Fire Prevention Week. Captain Roy LaGrone from the Grand Rapids Fire Department is highlighting the risks these batteries pose if not handled properly, stating that damage or improper usage can lead to dangerous fires.
Lithium batteries, commonly found in various electronic devices, are known to overheat and can be particularly challenging to extinguish once ignited. This issue has been notably problematic in vehicle fires, raising concerns among local safety officials.
At a recent press conference, the City of Grand Rapids Public Works Department showcased the adverse impact of lithium batteries on their operations, reporting that they had experienced three truck fires in recent years directly linked to these batteries.
Officials such as Nicole Rapacki from the Public Works Department are advising residents not to dispose of lithium-ion batteries in regular trash or recycling bins. Instead, batteries should be taken to Kent County SafeChem sites for proper disposal, ensuring the materials are safely managed and reducing the risk of a fire hazard.
To mitigate fire risks, residents are reminded to handle their batteries with care, particularly while charging them. Overheating during charging is a significant concern, and improper handling can lead to damaging incidents.
In a separate incident unrelated to batteries, a fire broke out at an apartment building in Grand Rapids shortly before 2 a.m. on Wednesday. Residents reported visible flames on the second story of the structure, but Battalion Chief Mark Fankhauser announced that no injuries occurred and damage was limited to just a few of the five apartment buildings involved.
The cause of this apartment fire is still under investigation. However, one apartment demonstrated the effectiveness of the fire safety practice known as “Close Before You Doze”, which encourages individuals to close bedroom doors while sleeping. This action helped to minimize damage and maintain safer conditions during the fire by keeping cleaner air and lower temperatures in individual rooms.
The Grand Rapids Fire Department is advocating for the installation of smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway, as well as each level and the basement of any home. This recommendation is vital for both homeowners and renters alike, emphasizing the necessity of having a functional fire safety plan in place.
Officials stress that ensuring all smoke alarms are operational can significantly enhance safety and mitigate the risks associated with fire emergencies. The focus during Fire Prevention Week is to prepare residents to respond effectively and reduce the likelihood of fire incidents tied to lithium batteries or other causes.
As the community reflects on these vital safety measures, awareness about the risks associated with lithium batteries and preparedness in the event of a fire can help to prevent future incidents, ensuring a safer environment for all residents in Grand Rapids.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Anker PowerCore 10000 Power Banks Recalled Due to Fire Risks
India’s Growing E-Waste Challenge
Additional Resources
- WZZM 13: Grand Rapids Fire Department Focuses on Lithium Batteries
- Fox 17: Close Before You Doze – Fire Safety Reminder
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Blackford Capital Grows Fire Safety Platform
- Spectrum Local News: Grand Rapids Firefighters Urge Safety with Lithium-Ion Batteries
- MLive: Firefighters Warn of Fireworks Dangers
- Wikipedia: Lithium-ion battery
- Google Search: Fire Safety Measures
- Google Scholar: Fire Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
- Google News: Fire Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
