This is National Fire Safety Week, October 6th,. This years theme is “Charge Into Fire Safety: Lithium Ion Batteries in Your Home” Lithium ion battery fires are on the rise. Last year, New York City alone saw 268 fires due to the batteries, resulting in 118 injuries and 18 deaths. Nationally, 243 additional fires, resulting in another 124 injuries and 17 deaths. Ottawa is not immune to the issue. We’ve seen one house fire and one vehicle fire due to the batteries. Ottawa Fire Chief, Shawn Dillon:
Ottawa fire fighters will be out in the elementary schools all month, teaching students fire safety of all types, from knowing how to escape a fire, using their family plan, to practicing calling 911.
