Valdez Fire Department

10/15/2026

No Dumpster Disposal for your Lithium-ion Batteries 🔋

10/14/2026

🚨 One improperly disposed battery can create a serious fire hazard!

Last week's close call at the Baler is an important reminder that lithium-ion batteries do NOT belong in dumpsters or household trash.

Thankfully, quick action by Baler staff and the Valdez Fire Department helped prevent a potentially dangerous fire.

Help protect our sanitation crews, first responders, and community by disposing of batteries safely. Please take a moment to read and share this important reminder from City of Valdez Public Works. 👇

🔋Battery safety doesn't end when does!

Find the full story, along with links to our Fire Prevention tips and battery disposal methods 👉 https://bit.ly/47jVioV

⚠️ One Battery. One Close Call.

Last Thursday, the Valdez Fire Department responded to a potentially dangerous situation at the Baler after employees noticed smoldering trash while unloading a garbage truck.

The likely culprit? An improperly discarded lithium-ion battery, likely from an e-bike. Thankfully, staff noticed the problem before it became a larger fire. However, the battery released hazardous fumes, requiring the area to be ventilated and Baler employees to receive medical evaluations. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.

This is an important reminder: Batteries DO NOT belong in dumpsters or regular household trash! Lithium-ion batteries can ignite if crushed, damaged, or handled improperly. These fires can be extremely difficult to extinguish and put sanitation workers, emergency responders, and City facilities at risk.

🔋 Need to dispose of a lithium-ion or large battery?
• Bring it directly to the Baler (500 S. Sawmill Rd.) - Honk your horn when you arrive, and a staff member will assist you with safe disposal.
• Can't bring it in? Call the Baler at (907) 835-2356 to arrange a pickup.
• Small household alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D) do not require these special disposal procedures.
‼️Anyone with an actively smoking, hissing, or overheating battery should move away and call 911 rather than attempting to transport it.‼️

Ironically, this close call happened during , when the national theme was "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower. ™ " Fire Prevention Week may be over, but battery safety is important year-round. Charge safely, dispose responsibly, and help keep our community and City crews safe!

⚡ Read the full News Flash: https://bit.ly/47jVioV

🤓Learn more about fire prevention: www.valdezak.gov/FirePrevention
🗑️Find out more about proper trash disposal: www.valdezak.gov/Trash

10/14/2026

10/10/2026

Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or floor. Beds, couches, and pillows can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause a battery to overheat.
🛏 + 📱= 🔥🔥 Charge 🔌 SMART

10/09/2026

When charging on a plane ✈, keep portable charging devices on the tray table. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments and never charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to be able to respond quickly.

10/08/2026

Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Leaving it plugged in longer than needed can increase heat and stress on the battery.

.

10/07/2026

Don't be a battery bully! Charge those e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when you can, and don't block the exits - we don't want any fiery surprises! 🚲💥

10/06/2026

Battery on the fritz? 🚨 If it's getting a little too cozy (warm to the touch), making weird noises (popping sounds), or rocking a new shape or color (not a fashion statement), it's time to peace out! Move it away from flammable stuff, pronto! A damaged battery is like a ticking time bomb, and we don't want any fireworks 🎉