Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Tumwater Fire Department is advising residents to unplug chargers when they’re not in use.
This advice was among the safety tips Fire Chief Brian Hurley shared with the Tumwater City Council at a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
He was at the meeting to accept a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week, which carries a theme of “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home!”
The National Fire Protection Association, the longtime sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, said while devices powered by lithium-ion batteries are generally safe, incidents of fires and explosions linked to the batteries have grown in recent years.
The city’s proclamation acknowledges that when misused, damaged or improperly charged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, which could potentially result in an explosion or fire.
To prevent such incidents, Hurley offered some safety tips:
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vaughnstark777
Is it the UL rated chargers that are in danger of catching fire if left plugged in or is it the lithium batteries in the electronics being charged that is in danger of catching fire??
Saturday, October 11, 2025 Report this
ChiefHurley
Message was not meant to be that UL and other approved chargers were unsafe. Intent was to convey that lithium batteries should not be overcharged. Per National Fire Protection Association, unplug or remove battery when fully charged. Thank you for asking the clarifying question.
Saturday, October 11, 2025 Report this