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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;"> 201 Orr Street
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Columbia, MO 65201</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">February 17, 2025</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Katherine Rodriguez
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />Columbia Fire Department
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.874.7426
<br />Katherine.Rodriguez@CoMo.gov
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<br />Skyler Clark
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />Columbia Fire Department
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.874.7609
<br />Skyler.Clark@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Columbia Fire Department responds to multiple lithium-ion battery fires</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display: inline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Over the past week, the Columbia Fire Department responded to two residential structure fires involving lithium-ion batteries.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Thursday, Feb. 13, at 2:10 p.m., CFD responded to a residential structure fire in the 4600 block of Connery Court. The first crew arrived within six minutes to find heavy flames coming from the garage and attic.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Two residents were inside the home when the fire began, but were alerted by smoke alarms and were able to safely evacuate the home before CFD arrival. There were no injuries.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Seven Columbia Fire units responded to the incident. Crews were able to have the fire under control at approximately 2:50 p.m. and remained on the scene for several hours to ensure there were no additional hotspots. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Monday, Feb. 17, at 12:26 a.m., CFD responded to a residential structure fire in the 5400 block of Baseline Place. The first crew arrived in three minutes to find flames had burned the outside of a duplex and into the attic space above the garage. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Six Columbia Fire units responded to this incident. Crews were able to have the fire under control in approximately ten minutes and stayed at the scene for several hours to ensure there were no additional hotspots.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All occupants of the home were able to exit the structure safely. There were no injuries.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Both fires have been determined by Columbia Fire Marshals to be accidental and caused by lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries power a wide range of devices, including smartphones, power tools and video game consoles. Mishandling or improper usage can lead to serious fire hazards.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When not in use, store lithium-ion batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid storing them in extreme temperatures, as this can degrade battery performance and increase the risk of malfunction. If a lithium-ion battery becomes damaged, swollen or punctured, refrain from using it and dispose of it properly.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you notice any of the following warning signs, discontinue use immediately and call 911:</span></p>
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<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Excessive heat</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Swelling/bulging</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Noises such as hissing, cracking or popping sounds</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Odor</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Smoke</span></li>
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<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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