At least one student was treated for unspecified injuries after a lithium-ion battery from a scooter ignited a fire inside a dormitory at San Diego State University, authorities said Wednesday.
Crews were dispatched at around 11 p.m. Tuesday to the 6100 block of Montezuma Road, according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Officials said the blaze was contained quickly, but water significantly damaged about 16 dormitories in the process.
Evacuations were put into place, but students were able to return to their dorms shortly after 2 a.m.
“University officials are actively working directly with impacted students on replacement housing and to ensure they receive appropriate support and resources,” read, in part, a statement issued Wednesday by the school.
The injured student’s condition was not immediately available.
Officials issued the following tips for keeping lithium-ion batteries from overheating, catching fire, or exploding:
Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards. Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.
Charge devices properly. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
“We are definitely seeing an increase in these types of fires and so it is extremely important that we educate people on what they can do to prevent lithium-ion batteries from catching fire,” SDFRD Battalion Chief Robert Rezende said. “These fires are extremely challenging to put out because these batteries continue to heat up and reignite even with water application.”