Urgent Evacuation at Ogdensburg International Airport Due to Smoking Luggage

In a heart-stopping incident on December 18, 2022, travelers at Ogdensburg International Airport (OGS) faced an unexpected emergency situation. A Contour Airlines passenger approaching the check-in counter was suddenly caught in an alarming scenario when their hand baggage began emitting smoke. The astute staff, observing the danger, quickly moved the smoking bag to a safe location outside the terminal building, an action that likely evaded a disaster.

As tension pervaded the air, the terminal was promptly evacuated while professionals tackled the source of the smoke. Investigations revealed that the bag contained a dozen e-cigarette devices and six spare batteries, two of which were found to be damaged. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to ensure the containment and safe removal of the defective devices, preventing potential injuries or worse.

This incidence reflects the unpredictable nature of electronic devices and the risks that damaged batteries pose, turning an ordinary travel day into one charged with peril. It spotlights the importance of diligence in the handling and transportation of electronic devices with lithium batteries. Lessons from this near-disaster underscore the need for passengers to follow strict guidelines regarding the carriage of such items to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

Amid the chaos, the situation would have benefitted from a recent innovation designed for swift emergency response in such scenarios: the FireTowel. This specialized, thick towel comes equipped with weights along its perimeter and handles for quick deployment, pivotal in engulfing and smothering source flames. The FireTowel acts as a barrier to smoke and fire, containing hazards effectively until professional help can intervene.

The incident at OGS could have been greatly mitigated had the innovative FireT