Local firefighters are warning residents to be careful when charging lithium ion batteries.
In a statement, the Harmony Fire District said they were recently called to a garage fire earlier this week where the fire appeared to be caused by a lithium ion battery on a charger.
They say these types of fires have increasing in frequency. Firefighters urge you to be on the lookout for signs of a damaged battery. That includes: being hot to the touch, battery swelling, hissing or cracking, and an unusual smell.
According to firefighters, more household items are using lithium ion batteries and that homeowners need to be aware of their possible dangers.