COLUMBUS, Ohio — Fire officials are urging Central Ohio residents to take care when charging the lithium-ion batteries found in phones, tools, electric bikes and scooters, warning that battery failures can lead to fast-moving fires in homes and garages. Lt. Nicholas Davis of the Columbus Division of Fire recommends using charging cords made by the device’s manufacturer. He warned that some aftermarket chargers may not be properly tested or compatible with a particular device, increasing the risk of fire. Davis said larger batteries in power tools, e-bikes and scooters should be charged outdoors. Fires involving those batteries can escalate quickly; he described cases in which a fire spreads through a garage and threatens an entire building. Anita Metheny, chief of the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Fire Prevention Bureau, said the growing number of battery-powered devices in homes presents new challenges for firefighters. She said water can make lithium-ion batteries ignite faster, complicating efforts to extinguish a fire. Residents should pay attention if a device becomes hot to the touch, officials said. Unplug it, allow it to cool and consult a professional about whether its battery needs replacement. The guidance came during Fire Prevention Week, which this year is focused on charging habits that can reduce lithium-ion battery fire risks in homes and communities. The Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center is offering daily tours and fire-safety sessions for young students during the week.