The Calgary Fire Department has launched a campaign to inform residents about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, especially those that are damaged or tampered with.

The message of the initiative is “damaged batteries should stay dead”.

Officials say lithium-ion batteries have grown in popularity over the past few years and are found in countless devices both inside and outside homes.

As usage increases, so does the risk of fire, officials say.

“All lithium-ion batteries, and especially uncertified ones, have the potential to overheat, catch fire and explode with little warning,” CFD chief Steve Dongworth said in a statement.

“These fires can quickly reach temperatures of over 500 degrees Celsius, producing toxic gases and dangerous smoke,” he said, adding that they usually cannot be extinguished with water.

Dongworth says lithium-ion battery fires are on the rise in Calgary and encourages all residents to charge them safely and only with certified products.

Safety tips for lithium-ion batteries include:

• Use only ULC or CSA approved batteries, chargers and cables;
• Do not use batteries that are hot, swollen, punctured, leaking, or emitting white or gray smoke;
• Avoid leaving batteries charged overnight or in places where they might block outlets; and
• Do not use in extremely hot or cold conditions and keep away from heat sources and flammable materials.

Residents should never throw away batteries, regardless of whether they are lithium-ion or not, CFD says.

“All batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, should be separated and taken to a recycling retailer for safe handling,” officials said.

“If they end up in any of the City of Calgary’s bins, batteries can be crushed by equipment leading to fires at the recycling facility, composting facility or landfills.”

Anyone encountering a lithium-ion battery fire should leave the area and call 911 immediately, rather than trying to put out the fire themselves.

More information on lithium-ion battery safety can be found online.