PUSLINCH – The theme of Fire Prevention Week this year is “Charge into fire safety,” and Puslinch Fire Chief Jamie MacNeil was only too happy to talk about it.
“Lithium-ion batteries can be volatile,” he said. “What we are seeing is that the batteries get hot and can combust. They cause large fires really quickly.”
Lots of common equipment uses lithium ion batteries these days: cell phones; laptop computers; tools like cordless drills, hedge trimmers and vacuum cleaners; e-bikes and electric cars.
Equipment that comes with its own battery charger is usually safe, he said.
“It’s the after-market chargers that are causing fires,” he added.
If your phone gets hot while charging, it might be time for a new charger.
Charging stations for cars and e-bikes should be installed by licensed electricians.
The Puslinch Fire Department serves the community but also responds to fires and accidents on Highway 401, which bisects the township.
“We see more accidents on the highway than barn fires,” he said, although there have been a few notable barn fires in the department’s catchment area recently.
An electric car was donated to the fire department a few years ago for training purposes.
Electric vehicles require special care and don’t behave like your average car fire.
“Electric vehicle fires are tricky because of the energy they put out and the thermal runaway,” MacNeil said.
Thermal runaway occurs when the temperature inside a battery reaches the point that causes a chemical reaction to occur inside the battery.
The chemistry creates heat, which drives up the temperature, which causes further chemical reaction that creates even more heat.
It’s a chain reaction that’s very hard to stop, MacNeil said.
According to the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council:
– don’t overcharge your device;
– only use certified chargers and not off-brand batteries or charging cords;
– never modify, tamper with or build your own lithium-ion batteries; and
– batteries should never be placed in the garbage but should go wherever you dispose of household hazardous waste.
MacNeil has many fire safety tips and he’ll be sharing them at the Community Showcase and Puslinch’s 175th anniversary celebration on Oct. 4 from 10am to 3pm, at the Puslinch Community Centre.
The historic Killean school bell will be unveiled at noon, and there are numerous activities for kids, as well as booths for local vendors and community groups.
Public works vehicles and fire vehicles will also be on scene, with staff on hand to explain the equipment and how it’s used.
“This is where we’ll be sharing our fire safety message,” MacNeil said. “We hope the community will come out and celebrate.”
