Fires, burns from cell phone batteries overheating on the rise, fire department warns

CLAYTON, N.C. (WTVD) -- As we start Fire Prevention Week in North Carolina, the Clayton Fire Department wants to help you stay safe. This year, they're putting some emphasis on educating and warning people about lithium-ion battery fires. These types of batteries are in most of your electronic devices, including your cell phone.

When you look at your beloved devices or are scrolling on your phone, you'd never think that it may one day hurt you. However, fire officials say you're more at risk of them catching fire than you think.

"So these lithium-ion batteries go on what they call a runaway, and then it continues to heat, and it will cause it to catch fire," said Capt. Bryan Belvin with the Clayton Fire Department

Lithium-ion batteries are convenient and powerful, and are found in most