Lithium batteries have caused 2 recent fires in Wichita. Here’s how to use them safely

Lindsay Smith
·3 min read

Investigators have determined lithium-ion batteries were the cause of two recent fires in Wichita, including a blaze that damaged a family home.

In the first incident, a Wichita city bus caught fire May 17, causing an estimated $650,000 in damage. Lithium-ion batteries were found to be the cause of the blaze. In a separate incident just six days before, May 11, a house fire started after an individual charged a lithium-ion battery on the back deck of a home in Wichita. No one was injured.

Wichita city spokesperson Megan Lovely said in an email to the Eagle the two fires were isolated incidents and the city does not see these batteries as an increased risk. But due to the recent fires, Lovely said the Wichita Fire Department will be participating in lithium-ion battery fire safety training.

The two Wichita fires are among several battery-related blazes in the U.S.

Seven people were injured after battery-powered electric scooter caused a large fire in New York City in early March. CNN reports last year, more than 200 fires were caused by e-scooters and e-bikes, resulting in six deaths.

Axios reports as of March, 33 New York City fires this year, resulting in three deaths, were reportedly caused by lithium-ion batteries. The incidents have pushed the city’s mayor to put a plan in place to regulate the use of the batteries and promote safety.

Though they are generally considered safe, here’s what to know about lithium-ion batteries and best practices for using them.

What are lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common rechargeable batteries on the market and can be found in your cell phone, laptops, toys, e-cigarettes, e-scooters, battery-operated vehicles and more.

According to Axios, while in the past batteries in smaller devices were a cause of worry, they have grown in reliability. The batteries that now cause the most fires are usually in scooters and e-bikes.

The battery includes an anode and cathode, which store the lithium, per the U.S. Department of Energy. The other parts include the separator, electrolyte, one positive current collector and one negative.

Lithium-ion batteries have grown in popularity in recent years. In 2022, imports of lithium-ion batteries grew 99% compared to the year before, according to a February S&P Global Market Intelligence report. It was the third year in a row in which imports of these kinds of batteries more than doubled in a 12-month period.

What to know about lithium-ion battery safety

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports lithium batteries are generally safe when used correctly, but could be a hazard if used incorrectly.

Here are safety measures you should take when it comes to these batteries, from the National Fire Protection Association:

  • Only use lithium battery-operated devices listed by a qualified testing laboratory

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions

  • Put the batteries in the devices the correct way

  • Never use a battery not meant for the device

  • Use the charging chord that came with the device

  • Don’t leave a device charging on a couch, on a bed or under the pillow

  • Keep batteries away from anything flammable

  • Keep batteries at room temperature

  • Don’t charge fully charged devices

Where to recycle lithium-ion batteries in Wichita

The NFPA advises consumers to not throw away batteries. Instead, you should recycle used ones.

Can that be recycled in Wichita? Here’s what can go curbside and where to take the rest

Here’s where you can drop off batteries in Wichita, from the Sedgwick County recycling guide:

  • ABC Recycling: 815 E. Gilbert

  • Advance Auto Parts: 303 E. Pawnee, 724 N. West St., 8310 W. Central, 4520 E. 13th St.

  • Allmetal Recycling: 800 E. 21st St., 2829 N. Emporia, 800 St. Francis

  • Allied Battery: 3313 S. Seneca

  • Allpak Battery: 1617 S. Seneca, 841 N. Tyler

  • AutoZone: All Wichita locations

  • Batteries Plus, 7447 W. 21st St.

  • Interstate All Battery Center: 5530 E. Central

  • Lowe’s: 333 S. Ridge, 11959 E. Kellogg, 2626 N. Maize

  • O’Reilly Auto Parts: All Wichita locations

  • Miller Recycling Center: 725 E. Clark

  • Sedgwick County Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 801 Stillwell

  • Wichita Material Recovery: 624 E. Morris