UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. - The National Fire Protection Association is using their annual Fire Prevention Week to warn of the hazards surrounding improper use of devices with lithium-ion batteries.

Locally, the University City Fire Department is emphasizing that message for residents.

“These batteries can catch fire, they can smoke, they can off-gas,” explained Battalion Chief Theresa Colp. “So when it does happen, depending on how big the battery is, it could cause catastrophic damage.”

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The department pointed to cell phones, smart-watches, laptops and tablets as a few examples of common items containing lithium-ion batteries.

They warned using charges not provided or approved by the manufacturer or charging products on so

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