Bend fire official offers safety tips on how to avoid lithium-ion battery fires

(Update: Adding video, details)

Two Central Oregon garage fires were sparked by them this year

BEND, Ore (KTVZ )-- Lithium-ion batteries have been known, in some cases, to spark fires. They have been the cause of at least two garage fires in the area this year.

One recorded case was due to the failure of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that ignited a fire and caused major damage to a garage in southwest Bend last January.

Another lithium-ion battery-related fire occurred in Powell Butte last Saturday, resulting in a detached garage being destroyed and a nearby home damaged.

Although there's no clear alternative to using lithium-ion batteries, Bend Fire and Rescue Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said in many cases, people can reduce the danger.

"Lithium-ion battery fires are definitely avoidable," Derlacki said, as he shared a few precautionary measures you can take.

"The easiest one is if the battery is wet or damaged, don't try to recharge it -- replace the battery immediately," Derlacki advised.

If the battery is damaged, the risk of fire is much higher.

"It can actually break down the lithium in there, and it could start the process of overheating," Derlacki said. "Once it starts overheating, it will exponentially run away from itself."

Derlacki also said voltage is another thing people need to pay close attention to, because each battery is measured at a certain voltage, and that's what they need to be charged at.According to the National Fire Protection Association, a few additional measures people can take include:

• Using batteries designed for a specific device
• Keeping them at room temperature
• Storing them away from flammable items
• Taking them off chargers once they're fully charged