Latest news with #firesafety
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
E-bikes, mobile chargers recalled over lithium-ion battery fires; what products to check
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries remain a fire-causing nuisance, leading to the recall of a popular ebike and mobile power bank. Additionally, there were nearly 100 airline incidences caused by lithium-ion batteries in 2024 alone, representing a 13% increase, according to Lion Technology. Here are the latest products recalled due to faulty lithium-ion batteries. VIVI ebikes recalled The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled VIVI ebikes with the 36-volt lithium-ion battery because there have been 14 reports of batteries overheating, including three fires. "Bikes with the recalled batteries were sold online at and from December 2020 through November 2023 for between $365 and $950," read the CSPC's recall alert. "Consumers should immediately stop using e-bikes with the recalled lithium-ion batteries and contact VIVI to receive a free replacement battery and battery charger." Send proof that you recycled the ebike's lithium-ion battery in an email to vivirecall@ to receive your replacement. You can start the replacement process online. Don't use this mobile charger on Android or iPhone The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also recalled magnetic wireless power banks manufactured by iStore, as they could overheat and catch fire while charging. This recall is only for model number IST-09991/W05 of iStore's magnetic wireless chargers. "The firm has received three reports of the wireless power banks overheating and exploding while they were charging, including one incident that resulted in a minor burn to the victim's arm," read the recall alert. "The firm received reports of property damage of about $15,000." You need to stop using the recalled magnetic wireless power bank immediately and recycle the product. The company is providing refunds to all users directly through its website and, alternatively, through Tomauri's website. How to recycle lithium-ion batteries in New Jersey You cannot simply toss lithium-ion batteries in the trash or mix them in with the products you normally recycle, due to their inherent fire-causing capabilities. Visit Avoid the Spark's website to find a Call2Recycle drop-off location nearest you to properly dispose of lithium-ion (and all other rechargeable batteries) in New Jersey. Call2Recycle is the only free rechargeable battery collection program in North America, according to Burlington County's battery recycling guide. Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region. This article originally appeared on Recycle these lithium-ion battery powered ebikes, chargers today
CBC
2 days ago
- General
- CBC
Indigenous communities face higher death rates from fires and lack of data leaves them vulnerable, says group
A report by the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) confirms what many Indigenous communities have long known: the rate of death for house fires in Indigenous communities is higher than in non-Indigenous communities. The report, commissioned by the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC) and published earlier this month, found the rate of death was around 5 times higher for Indigenous communities. It drew data from the National Fire Information Database between 2005-2021, aiming to show the scope of fire risks in Indigenous communities and identify gaps in data collection. Arnold Lazare, Interim CEO of the NIFSC, said the findings validate decades of experiences from Indigenous communities. "For the last 30 years we've been tracking the anecdotal information and we knew that the death rate and injury rate was much higher on reserves than in mainstream," said Lazare, who is from Kahnawà:ke, just south of Montreal. "When we say it, people don't believe us." One of the biggest challenges, according to the report, is a lack of data which is a result of a lack of uniformity in reporting standards and jurisdictional regulations on required reporting of fire information. "A problem identified is half solved, right?" said Lazare. "There's a lack of data and that opens the situation up to interpretation and when you go to interpretation, things can get fuzzy." The federal government stopped collecting fire incident data in First Nations communities in 2010 in an effort to "reduce the reporting burden" on First Nations communities. A 2021 report from StatsCanada shows Inuit are 17 times more likely to die in fires than non-Indigenous people, where First Nations are roughly five times more likely to die and Métis people are twice as likely to die. Michelle Vandevord, a Cree woman from Muskoday First Nation in Saskatchewan is the first woman to serve as captain of the community's volunteer fire department and has 26 years experience as a firefighter and serves as the director of the Saskatchewan First Nation Emergency Management. "Being a firefighter on reserve and supporting the regional organization, we knew those numbers were going to be high," said Vandevord. Her community has had fire services for over 40 years, although she said she recognizes many other First Nations communities don't have on-reserve fire organizations and rely on outside help. "When there's a fire death on reserve, then all of a sudden there's all this attention for the community and what can we do to help…" said Vandevord. "'What can we do to support?' and that help should have come years earlier." She encourages communities to use data — including from Stats Canada and the NRCC — to apply for funding for fire prevention and services. "Nine times out of 10, when there is money for fire services on reserve, it's proposal driven," she said. But Vandevord said a lot of times these volunteer fire chiefs are just that: volunteers, working off the side of their desk while holding other titles, leaving little time for writing proposals. Lazare is hopeful to see more data being published but notes it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. He said that the funding available for fire prevention needs to be used in tailored approaches based on individual community needs. He also hopes that Indigenous communities report their fires using their National Incident Reporting System, and for communities to track and pinpoint fire trends and use that information to tailor to their fire prevention programs. "If we can get the communities funded to the programs that they need, then things will change," Lazare said. Lazare said Indigenous communities can reach out to the NIFSC for support. The organization offers fire department assessments, fire prevention program development and support for building fire safety programming. The NIFSC is set to meet with the Assembly of First Nations in September, where they hope the report will inform a renewed mandate and a new direction for fire safety efforts across Indigenous communities.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Crews tackle three field fires in one day
Fire crews from 19 stations tackled three large field fires in one day across a county. Essex Fire Service said on Friday it attended blazes in Grays, Rayleigh and Witham. Two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson over the fire near Amersham Court, Rayleigh, and remained in custody, Essex Police said. At the time of the incident some roads were temporarily closed in the area and smoke was seen blowing over the A129 and A1245. At 09:53 BST the service was called to reports that 37 acres (15 hectares) of standing crop was alight in Stifford Clays, Grays. At 15:38 it was called to a seven-acre (three hectares) fire on Amersham Court, Rayleigh, where one outbuilding was damaged. Crews were later called to Conrad Road, Witham, at 17:21, to put out a 74-acre (30 hectares) field fire. All three fires were put out, the fire service confirmed. Group manager Marc Diggory said crews in Rayleigh "worked hard to extinguish the fire and stop it from spreading to nearby properties". He confirmed it spread to one outbuilding but no-one was injured. Essex Police said its investigation was "in the early stages". It appealed for anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward. The recent warm weather had increased the risk of wildfires, the fire service said. It asked that people reduce the risk of further incidents by stubbing out cigarettes and disposing of them properly. It also asked people to avoid lighting campfires or barbecues in the countryside. "If you do, make sure they are fully extinguished before you dispose of them," the service said. "Never leave barbecues or bonfires unattended and discard your rubbish, especially glass bottles, responsibly." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story Large grass fire at airstrip burns 37 acres 'Intentional' nature reserve fires could cost £100k Bonfire warning after flames spread through gardens Related internet links Essex County Fire & Rescue Service Essex Police
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cintas forecasts upbeat annual revenue on resilient demand for uniforms, safety gear
(Reuters) -Cintas on Thursday forecast its annual revenue above Wall Street expectations, betting on resilient demand for its uniform rentals and fire safety supplies, even as uncertainties loomed over the retail environment in the U.S. A rebound in the country's job growth boosted demand for the company's rental business as well as services such as facility cleaning and first-aid training. Its cost-saving and efficiency-boosting initiatives also aided its profit margin. Moderation in price hikes, bundled services and lower-priced products helped Cintas retain customers when threats of President Donald Trump's tariff policies cast a gloom over consumer spending. Analysts expect that the return of bonus depreciation via the "Big, Beautiful Bill" could benefit the company as it may accelerate bulk orders from firms. Bonus depreciation is a tax incentive that allows businesses to deduct a large percentage of the price of business assets rather than depreciating them over time. The company expects its fiscal 2026 total revenue to be in the range of $11 billion to $11.15 billion, largely above analysts' average estimates of $11.04 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Cintas projected full-year earnings of $4.71 to $4.85 per share, compared with that of $4.40 in fiscal year 2025. Analysts, meanwhile, expect annual profit of $4.84 per share. The company's fourth-quarter revenue rose 8% to $2.67 billion, compared with estimates of $2.63 billion. It earned $1.09 per share in the three months ended May 31, slightly above the estimate of $1.07. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cintas forecasts upbeat annual revenue on resilient demand for uniforms, safety gear
(Reuters) -Cintas on Thursday forecast its annual revenue above Wall Street expectations, betting on resilient demand for its uniform rentals and fire safety supplies, even as uncertainties loomed over the retail environment in the U.S. A rebound in the country's job growth boosted demand for the company's rental business as well as services such as facility cleaning and first-aid training. Its cost-saving and efficiency-boosting initiatives also aided its profit margin. Moderation in price hikes, bundled services and lower-priced products helped Cintas retain customers when threats of President Donald Trump's tariff policies cast a gloom over consumer spending. Analysts expect that the return of bonus depreciation via the "Big, Beautiful Bill" could benefit the company as it may accelerate bulk orders from firms. Bonus depreciation is a tax incentive that allows businesses to deduct a large percentage of the price of business assets rather than depreciating them over time. The company expects its fiscal 2026 total revenue to be in the range of $11 billion to $11.15 billion, largely above analysts' average estimates of $11.04 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Cintas projected full-year earnings of $4.71 to $4.85 per share, compared with that of $4.40 in fiscal year 2025. Analysts, meanwhile, expect annual profit of $4.84 per share. The company's fourth-quarter revenue rose 8% to $2.67 billion, compared with estimates of $2.63 billion. It earned $1.09 per share in the three months ended May 31, slightly above the estimate of $1.07. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
