Resident throws burning scooter out of Ann Arbor home; lithium-ion battery to blame
(AAFD)
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (FOX 2) - Smoke detectors are being credited with saving an Ann Arbor resident's life after a scooter caught fire inside their home Friday morning.
The person was sleeping inside their home in the 1000 block of Pontiac Trail around 7 a.m. when their detector alerted them to a fire. According to the Ann Arbor Fire Department, a scooter with a lithium-ion battery was burning just inside their front door, which was their only exit.
The resident was able to grab the scooter and throw it into the yard. They suffered minor burns to their hands and smoke inhalation.
The fire department believes the battery went into thermal runaway, meaning that as the temperature of a fire increases, more and more energy is being released and fueling those flames. Lithium battery fires have numerous causes, including damage to the battery, water exposure, electrical damage from overcharging, and exposure to extreme temperatures.
(AAFD)
According to the fire department, the scooter was only two months old, had the original battery that did not appear to be damaged, and was not charging at the time. Oftentimes, these types of fires happen when batteries are on their charger.
The fire department noted that the scooter was not working properly the day before. If a lithium-ion battery-powered item is not working properly, firefighters advise leaving it outside at least 10 feet from other structures.
Michigan officials warn buyers on products containing lithium-ion batteries
Fire officials from across Michigan joined forces Monday to sound the alarm about using items that contain lithium-ion batteries.
Ann Arbor firefighters provided tips for safely using these batteries:
Warning signs to look out for in a device or battery include:
~Pungent odors
~Discoloration, blistering, bulging, or swelling of the casing
~Leaking electrolyte
~Heating up and feeling extremely hot to touch
~Abnormal popping, hissing or crackling sounds, smoke and fumes
~Never touch a swollen or ruptured device or battery with bare hands as the heat and/or chemicals can cause severe burns. Use a tool such as shovel or dust pan.
If a small battery or device such as a phone or tablet starts overheating or is swollen:
~Unplug it from the power outlet if it is on charge.
~Avoid inhaling any smoke or fumes.
~If possible, remove it to an outside area away from any combustible material and away from windows or doorways. It is recommended to leave it outside for at least 24 hours.