San Diego fire officials are reporting an increase in fires related to lithium batteries, prompting calls for public awareness about proper usage, storage, and disposal of these potentially explosive power sources. In the city of San Diego alone, firefighters respond to approximately two lithium battery-related fires per week. Jeremy Davis from Lakeside Fire emphasized the growing concern, stating, "We have seen an uptick in some fires." He noted that many of these incidents could be prevented with proper precautions. One common cause of these fires is the use of incompatible charging equipment. Davis warned against using outlets or cords not designed for lithium battery charging, as this can lead to dangerous situations. The problem extends beyond city limits, affecting the entire county. Lithium battery fires are particularly hazardous due to their toxic nature and ability to burn for days. Common household items containing these batteries include rechargeable devices such as electric toothbrushes. MORE: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/san-diego-fire-officials-warn-of-rising-lithium-battery-fire-risks/509-8ae1df51-f1f7-41dc-b127-408c80b7f3b9