Oklahoma City officials are warning residents that fires caused by improperly discarded lithium batteries are on the rise. The warning comes after the city’s utilities department documented a series of incidents this year where trash trucks and recycling facilities caught fire after encountering batteries from everyday items.
Local officials highlight the problem
Jennifer McClintock, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma City Utilities Department, said, “It’s something that trash collection agencies are seeing more and more of.” She noted that lithium batteries are commonly found in electric toothbrushes, vaping devices, cellphones and key‑ring location tags. When these items are tossed into regular trash, they can short‑circuit and ignite, creating dangerous fires.
According to city data, 11 fires have broken out at the municipal recycling facility so far this year alone. In addition, the department reported several incidents involving fires in trash trucks as they collected residential waste. McClintock added, “We have seen fires in our trash trucks and at our recycling facilities, and we aren’t the only ones. This is a trend that’s starting to increase nationwide, as well as in the state.”
National context
The city’s figures align with a broader national pattern. Nationwide, lithium batteries have been linked to roughly 5,000 fires this year, according to industry reports. A notable warehouse fire in May illustrated how quickly a battery‑related blaze can spread, underscoring the importance of proper disposal.
How residents can help
The Oklahoma City Fire Department recommends that residents take any items containing lithium batteries to designated waste facilities or local hardware stores that accept them for safe disposal. By keeping these batteries out of regular trash, homeowners can help prevent future fires and protect first‑responders.
For more detailed guidance on how to dispose of lithium batteries safely, residents are encouraged to visit the city’s official website or contact the Utilities Department directly.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
