Fire Safety Alert - Lithium Ion Battery Fires
Sent on behalf of the Office of the Fire Marshal
To the Campus Community:
Following a recent fire incident at another SUNY campus involving a lithium-ion battery
charger, I would like to take this opportunity to remind all students, faculty, and
staff of the importance of safe charging practices. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly
found in e-bikes, scooters, laptops, phones, power tools, and other personal devices.
When damaged, improperly used, or charged incorrectly, these batteries can overheat,
ignite, and produce fires that spread rapidly and are difficult to extinguish.
To help keep our campus community safe, please follow these safety guidelines:
- Use only manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers for your device.
- Do not leave batteries or devices charging unattended or overnight.
- Charge devices on hard, non-combustible surfaces. Never charge devices on beds, couches,
or near combustible materials.
- Do not charge batteries in hallways, stairwells, or exit pathways.
- Immediately stop using and safely dispose of batteries or chargers that show signs
of damage, overheating, swelling, or unusual odors.
- Avoid overloading outlets or power strips when charging multiple devices.
- Store batteries away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
If you notice a battery overheating, smoking, or igniting, evacuate the area immediately
and contact University Police at 934-420-2111. Do not attempt to extinguish a battery
fire yourself unless it is safe to do so.
Fire safety is a shared responsibility. Proper use and monitoring of charging equipment
help prevent fires and protect everyone on campus.
If you have questions or concerns regarding lithium-ion batteries, please do not hesitate
to contact my office at 934-420-2603.
Ryan Kleinkopf
Campus Fire Marshal
