04/02/2026
Great tips to prevent fires from lithium batteries!
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On Monday morning, MFD responded to a report of a truck on fire inside the FedEx facility. Engine 8 arrived first to find that staff had moved the truck outside and removed a smoking package from the vehicle.
Engine 8 extinguished fire and found the contents to be a case of commercial grade lithium ion batteries.
The MFD Fire Investigation Team was part of the initial dispatch for the structure fire, documented the scene, and performed witness interviews.
This was the second fire incident related to lithium ion batteries in three days. As these items become more prevalent in our daily lives, there are risks and precautions to be aware of:
• Unplug your devices and chargers before you leave home or go to bed at night.
• Use only the charger that came with your device, not knock-off brands or substitute chargers.
• Do not over-charge your device. Unplug your device once fully charged (or unplug at 70% to preserve your battery's lifespan).
• Never store your devices near the primary exit of a room or home. If these devices catch on fire, you will not be able to escape.
• Recycle old batteries responsibly by putting clear packing tape over the metal contact points and dropping them off at your nearest City of Madison Streets Division drop-off site.
