Nine out of 10 wildfires in Texas start with a person. For Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10, the Texas A&M Forest Service is pointing at something sitting in nearly every house and truck in forest country: the charger.
The National Fire Protection Association’s theme this year is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” and it’s about lithium-ion batteries. Those are the batteries in cellphones, tablets, laptops, flashlights, headlamps, power tools, e-bikes, drones, ATVs, UTVs and RVs. A damaged battery or a bad charging habit can set off thermal runaway — a chain reaction that makes a battery overheat, catch fire or explode.
“As Texans spend time outdoors this fall, whether hunting, camping or enjoying our parks and natural areas, it’s important to remember that wildfire risk remains even as temperatures cool and rainfall increases in some areas,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service fire chief. “Everyday devices and activities can spark a fire if not used properly, and safe charging habits and practices can help protect lives, property and the natural resources we all enjoy.”
What the Forest Service Asks You to Do
Use the cord and charger that came with the device, or one the manufacturer approved. Off-brand and damaged chargers may not meet safety standards.
Plug chargers straight into a wall outlet when you can, instead of an extension cord or a multi-plug adapter.
Charge on a hard, flat surface — a table, a workbench, a bare floor. Not on grass, not on a couch or bed, not under a blanket that traps heat and blocks airflow.
Keep batteries away from water. Unplug devices if your area might flood, and never charge a battery that may have gotten wet.
Skip charging below 32 degrees or above 105 degrees, and store batteries at room temperature. Stop using a battery or device if it gets unusually hot, swells, smokes, leaks or smells strange.
For disposal of a damaged battery or device, call your local fire department or the battery manufacturer.
Outreach Boxes for Volunteer Departments
The Forest Service offered 50 wildfire prevention outreach boxes to eligible volunteer fire departments for the week. The boxes hold educational materials departments can use at community events and school visits.
“Volunteer fire departments play a vital role in wildfire prevention and public education across Texas,” said Taylor Ostic, the agency’s fire information and education program specialist. “These outreach boxes will provide departments with tools and materials to engage their communities and share practical steps Texans can take to prevent wildfires.”
More on wildfire prevention is at tfsweb.tamu.edu. More on Fire Prevention Week and battery safety is at firepreventionweek.org.
