GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Firefighters and recycling centers in Kent County are working to bring awareness to the dangers of lithium-ion batteries during National Fire Prevention Week.

Kent County Public Works collects the batteries at its SafeChem drop-off locations.

Workers receive a variety of lithium-ion batteries, tape them up to block the metal terminals and sort them in these barrels that are sent away to be recycled.

The speed and intensity of lithium-ion battery fire is something firefighters take seriously.

The Grand Rapids Fire Department had to put out a scooter fire in May at Rosa Parks Circle.

“When compromised or damaged they can overheat and that overheating can compound and can eventually could lead to a fire,” said GRPD Capt. Roy LaGrone.

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