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Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire Company #2
Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire Company #2
District 22, Carbon County, Pennsylvania
2023-206
Engine 2210 and Tanker 2233 recently responded to a CO alarm on Burnshaw Lane, Towamensing Trails. District 12 and Lehighton ALS also responded.
Rescue 2255, Engine 2210, and Brush 2244 made sure Santa showed up in style for the Towamensing Trails tree lighting this evening! Thanks to all who donated to the Toys for Tots program as well!
While units were handling the Santa detail, Command 2277 and UTV 2278 responded to a search off the PA Turnpike in Kidder Township. Districts 17, 16, and Lake Harmony EMS also responded.
Last night we had a call for a lithium-ion battery fire at a home. When the chief arrived, it was determined that an external power bank for cellphone charging had exploded, melting a hole through the carpeting and injuring the homeowner.
We want to share with the community important information regarding the safety risk of lithium-ion batteries and the devices they are used in as an increase of these explosions has been seen recently.
1. Lithium-ion batteries are not the same as the alkaline batteries you grew up with. The chemical composition of these batteries can cause explosions and serious injury if damaged or overheated.
2. When devices are constructed correctly and thoroughly tested for safety, the risk for explosions is minimal. However, when a device such as cellphones, external power banks, and laptops are dropped or damaged in some way, the internal circuit board can be damaged leading to possible battery damage or overheating.
3. Purchasing third party batteries or power banks for devices such as cordless vacuums, tools or cell phones is not recommended. These devices are not as rigorously tested as the original manufacturer's products and are seen more often now as the cause for explosion and fires in homes.
RECALL ALERT: On November 22, 2023 Lenovo recalled an external power bank for their laptops due to internal screws possibly coming loose and allowing for overheating of the battery. See the recall report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission here: www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Lenovo-Recalls-USB-C-Laptop-Power-Banks-Due-to-Fire-Hazard
RECALL ALERT: In August 2023 Costco recalled the product Ubio Labs Power Bank due to fire hazard and catching fire on a commercial flight. See the recall report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission here: www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Costco-Recalls-Ubio-Labs-Power-Banks-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Caught-Fire-on-...
Thank you for such valuable information.