On Sunday, units were dispatched to a home at 14843 Poplar Hill Rd in Germantown for a house fire linked to lithium batteries in the basement, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS).
Per MCFRS, upon arrival, units promptly addressed the situation, which involved the entrapment of an elderly occupant who was trapped inside of the basement where the fire was caused by the lithium batteries. The occupant was safely assisted out of the basement. Two other occupants of the home were unharmed, with no displacement required. Firefighters remained on-site, and the public was advised to avoid the area on Sunday.
MCFRS shared the following Safety Alert: “Lithium batteries pose fire risks if damaged, improperly stored, or overcharged. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and avoid charging unattended. Dispose of batteries safely if they show unusual heat, swelling, or odor.”