We are in the final days of 2025’s Fire Prevention Week, and this year’s focus is on the risks associated with rechargeable batteries. Carroll Fire Chief Dan Hannasch says lithium-ion batteries are nearly ubiquitous nowadays, but many people are unaware of the potential risks associated with a malfunction.
Hannasch says they respond to many fires every year associated with a lithium-ion battery. Many of those calls are to the Carroll County landfill, as people incorrectly dispose of their cellphones, laptops, tablets, and other devices in the trash when they are no longer in use. Hannasch adds improper disposal isn’t the only problem. If overheated or damaged, they can quickly start a fire, which happened earlier this month at a rural home east of Carroll.
While 2025’s theme is centered on lithium-ion batteries, fire prevention touches all aspects of our day-to-day lives. He says there are a few things every person can do to prevent a fire in their home.
Throughout Fire Prevention Week, members of the Carroll Fire Department met with students to discuss fire safety, particularly with younger children. Hannasch also encourages residents to routinely test their smoke and fire detectors, as those devices are critical to ensuring people inside a structure are aware of an issue and have an opportunity to address it or escape before it grows out of control.
