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.
-
Bicyclist struck, killed in Madison County
A bicyclist was struck by a vehicle and killed on Old 132 in Madison County on Thursday afternoon, police say.
Man convicted of murder for 2023 shooting death of Papa John's delivery driver
An Indianapolis man was convicted of murder for the shooting death of a 30-year-old Papa John’s delivery driver in 2023.
IPS taking precautions against measles amid outbreaks across the U.S.
Indianapolis Public Schools announced it will be taking proactive steps to protect students and staff from measles amid outbreaks across the country.
Empowering youth: YES Indy helps young people build brighter futures
Through job training, education, and community support, YES Indy provides life-changing opportunities for youth facing barriers to employment and education.
