Fiery ACFD demonstration scheduled to illustrate need for proper battery disposal [Video]

The Arlington County Fire Department is sounding the alarm on the hazards of carelessly disposing of rechargeable batteries.

A live demonstration highlighting the dangerous potential of punctured rechargeable batteries and overcharged e-bikes is scheduled to take place later today (Thursday) in Montgomery Village, Maryland. Arlington Chief Fire Marshal Matthew Cobb is joining officials from D.C. and Montgomery County in this vivid installment of a four-week education program led by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG).

“Our partners at the Fire & Risk Alliance will be assisting as we demonstrate the fire resulting from a punctured battery in a waste bin as well as an overcharged e-bike,” COG spokesperson Lindsay Martin told ARLnow in an email.

The Go Recycle campaignis a response to an increase in fires, primarily occurring in garbage trucks and at trash and recycling centers, caused by the improper disposal of rechargeable batteries from devices such as children’s toys, e-cigarettes, …