COLUMBUS — Following a fire at the Columbus Post Office, the Columbus Fire Department is reminding people how to safely dispose of batteries.
The reminder comes after fire crews responded to the Columbus Post Office at 450 Jackson Street on Wednesday for the report of rubbish (trash) fire.
According to the department, firefighters arrived at 8:46 a.m. but employees used a fire extinguisher to put out the smoldering trash before their arrival.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found post office employees had discharged a dry chemical fire extinguisher into a canvas rubbish collection bag.
An investigation found that inside the bag were two 9-volt batteries and a 3-volt lithium battery and one of the 9-volt batteries showed signs of damage consistent with a short circuit.
The battery likely contacted something else that led to a reaction and the fire.
The department sent out a reminder that while any battery can short circuit under the right conditions, 9-volt batteries can be particularly dangerous. If a metal object touches both posts of a 9-volt battery, a short circuit can occur.
Also remember:
- Batteries should never be in a drawer that contains metal items such as paper clips, pens or coins.
- Keep batteries in their original packaging until they are ready for use.
- If discarding alkaline batteries in the trash, cover battery posts with masking tape or electrical tape before discarding.
-
Armed suspect jumps into pond during ISP pursuit in Indianapolis
A traffic stop by Indiana State Police on Thursday led to a foot pursuit of an armed suspect, who jumped into a pond to evade capture.
Hancock Regional Hospital earns "A" for patient safety
Hancock Regional Hospital earns its 10th consecutive "A" safety grade. This reflects their strong commitment to preventing errors and ensuring high patient safety standards in Greenfield.
IMPD: 21-year-old man shot and killed on Indy's west side
A male was shot and killed on Indy's west side Thursday afternoon. Police initially responded to the scene for a vehicle accident before finding the victim.
Keystone Avenue ramp closure and I-65 lane restrictions to begin this month
Starting on or after May 17, the exit ramp from northbound I-65 to Keystone Avenue will close for reconstruction until August. Lane restrictions will also be implemented on I-65.
