ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A garage was damaged Monday by a fire that officials believe was sparked by a lithium-ion lawn mower battery.
At 2:53 a.m., Ann Arbor firefighters responded to the 1500 block of Hillridge Boulevard, near Miller Avenue and Newport Road, after receiving reports of a house fire.
When they arrived, they discovered that the exterior wall of the house’s attached garage was burning.
They quickly extinguished the fire before it traveled to the main residence. No one was injured.
The Ann Arbor Fire Department believes that the fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery for a lawn mower that went into thermal runaway.
Here are some warning signs people should look out for with batteries, according to the fire department:
- 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 a shovel or dustpan.
Fire officials say if a small battery or device, like a phone or tablet begins overheating or is swollen, people should do the following:
- 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.
