COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Nearly a year after a fire destroyed a Coeur d’Alene Police Department building, the department is reflecting on the loss — and the progress toward rebuilding.
The fire, sparked by a lithium-ion battery in an electric bike, engulfed the facility that housed code enforcement, animal control and the department’s IT division.
No injuries were reported, but the building and millions of dollars in police gear were declared a total loss. The building was an office to many, including Sgt. Jared Reneau.
“You know, an office is a personal space, and it was one of those things that for me was challenging and hard to see. But challenges are just something to be overcome, and I think we’ve done a fantastic job,” said Reneau.
In the time following the fire, the Coeur d’Alene community rallied to support recovery efforts.
The city passed a resolution declaring a state of emergency, expediting the rebuilding process. Construction crews have been working steadily, and the new facility is expected to open this fall.
The incident has also renewed attention to the dangers of lithium-ion batteries — commonly found in devices like smartphones, smartwatches and e-bikes.
Although the batteries in the Coeur d’Alene police building were being used and charged properly, the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the battery experienced a “catastrophic failure.”
Experts have shared several tips for safely using lithium-powered devices:
Use only the correct charger for each deviceStore batteries and chargers away from doors and exitsCheck devices regularly for damage, swelling or unusual bumpsPlug chargers directly into a wall outlet, never a power stripMonitor devices while they charge and avoid charging overnight
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