Photo: Thelma Lanteigne / EyeEm / EyeEm / Getty Images
A potential disaster was narrowly avoided at HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston on Wednesday (May 14) when staff detected a burning odor around 12:15 p.m. The Kingston Fire Department responded to the call at the hospital on Mary's Avenue, where staff reported the smell but saw no smoke or fire inside the building.
Upon investigation, firefighters discovered that a lithium-ion battery, located outside near the basement area, was malfunctioning. The battery had been damaged during maintenance operations and was removed from the building before the fire department arrived. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries.
The Kingston Fire Department has been actively warning the public about the risks associated with these batteries. Recently, improperly discarded rechargeable batteries sparked a fire at a commercial recycling facility in Kingston, according to a report by Risk Reduction Review. The fire department responded to that incident on April 29, emphasizing the importance of proper battery disposal.
As the use of lithium-ion batteries continues to rise, the Kingston Fire Department is urging residents and businesses to handle and dispose of these batteries safely to prevent potential hazards.