Joplin Fire Department responds to fire at 620 Plaza Drive

(From the Joplin Fire Department)

At approximately 7:33 PM on June 27, the Joplin 911 center received a report of a residential structure fire located at 620 Plaza Dr. 

On arrival of Joplin Fire units, flames and smoke were visible coming from the garage and extending into the attic and living portions of the residence. Joplin Fire units made an aggressive attack on the fire and was able to contain it primarily to the garage of the home. The occupants of the home were able to safely evacuate prior to our arrival. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. 

Joplin Fire was assisted by the Redings Mill Fire District, Joplin Police Department, METS Ambulance and Newton County Ambulance.

After investigation into the cause and origin of the fire, the fire has been ruled accidental. A lithium-ion battery that was being recharged could not be ruled out as the cause of the fire. Fires from lithium-ion batteries are becoming more common and can be volatile fires with rapid growth potential. These batteries are used in many household items, such as power tools and yard maintenance equipment.

The Joplin Fire Department would like to offer the following safety tips when utilizing lithium-ion batteries:

Only use manufacturer-provided or authorized batteries and charging equipment.

Remove the battery or charging device from power once charging is complete to avoid overheating.

Keep batteries at room temperature and charge them at room temperature.

Keep batteries and devices away from heat sources or anything that can catch fire.

 
Stop using lithium-ion batteries if you notice an odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises.

Don't put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycle them at your local battery recycling location.

Store spare lithium-ion batteries away from anything that can burn.