Fire Contained at Miller Elementary After Lithium Battery Ignites in Workshop
Sprinkler system stops fire from spreading as crews work to clear smoke and water from the gym
BEND, Ore. — A fire inside the custodians’ workshop at Miller Elementary School triggered a fire alarm and activated the building’s sprinkler system late Sunday night, according to Bend Fire & Rescue.
Crews responded around 9 p.m. after alarms sounded throughout the school. Firefighters traced the source to the gymnasium area, where a sprinkler head had activated and stopped a fire from spreading beyond the workshop. Smoke and water traveled into the gym, but the flames remained confined to the small room because of the sprinkler system.
Fire crews remained on scene for about an hour to remove smoke and water from the building. The school principal and Bend-La Pine Schools maintenance staff assisted with the response.
Investigators determined the fire was caused by a lithium battery stored inside a cabinet in the workshop. The battery failed, igniting inside the cabinet and burning through the doors before heat triggered the sprinkler system.
The district expects damage to be repairable, and officials anticipate only a short disruption. Any delays or closures will be announced by Bend-La Pine Schools as cleanup and safety assessments continue.
Lithium batteries are widely used and offer significant benefits, but they can pose fire risks when damaged, improperly stored, or charged incorrectly. Bend Fire & Rescue shared guidance from the National Fire Protection Association to help prevent similar incidents.
NFPA Lithium Battery Safety Tips
Purchase and use devices certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
Follow all manufacturer instructions.
Use only the battery designed for the specific device.
Use the charging cord supplied with the device.
Do not charge devices on beds, couches, or under pillows.
Do not continue charging once fully charged.
Charge and store batteries at room temperature—avoid temperatures below 32°F or above 105°F.
Store batteries away from combustibles, preferably in non-combustible cabinets or containers designed for lithium battery storage.
Lithium batteries should never be thrown in the trash. Damage during trash collection or landfill processing can lead to fires, including in items such as flashlights, alarms, or small electronics. Community members should contact local waste providers, landfills, or electronics retailers for proper disposal or recycling options.
Cover image: Bend Fire
