AURORA, Colo. — A fire broke out in Aurora Saturday morning due to lithium-ion batteries igniting, Aurora Fire Rescue says. This fire destroyed a parking garage before spreading to a home, and firefighters urge proper care of those batteries to prevent this from happening to you.
The fire occurred around 5:30 a.m. in the 900 block of North Idalia Circle, near Aurora Fire Rescue Station No. 5.
“Once the crew left the station, they could see flames in the air all the way up to the treetops,” said Eric Hirst, public information officer for Aurora Fire Rescue.
The garage was fully involved when crews showed up, and the flames had spread to the attic and house.
All residents were able to get out safely on their own.
A closer look found that the lithium-ion batteries in the garage were charging via an extension cable when they caught fire, something Hurst says you should never do.
“Make sure they are only being charged using the chargers and plugs recommended by the manufacturer,” Hirst said.
These batteries often present a challenge to firefighters in their efforts to put out fires. Water is basically ineffective because fire burns so intensely, and with batteries, it can lead to toxic water runoff.
In this incident, the crew used a method called “total package.”
“Put it in a non-combustible container and surround it with a material that won’t burn. It’s sealed and shipped to remove hazardous materials,” Hurst said.
Hurst says residents were asleep at the time and were alerted when they heard loud noises, consistent with those batteries catching fire.
“This is a common sound you’ll hear. Many times you’ll also see sparks and flaming debris flying from the battery,” Hirst said.
He says that while it is important to connect them to suitable chargers, it is also necessary to ensure that they are not damaged as well.
“If the battery or the device it’s in is swollen near where the battery is, that device is no longer good, you shouldn’t charge it,” Hurst said.
Hurst also recommends charging these batteries away from any exits so that a potential fire doesn’t block your escape route.