In a dramatic and eye-opening incident, a pet dog in Tulsa, Oklahoma, inadvertently triggered a house fire after chewing on a lithium-ion battery. The disturbing event was caught on camera and serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers associated with these seemingly innocuous power sources.
The footage, captured in the living room of the affected home, shows two dogs and a cat frolicking around when one of the canines starts gnawing on a lithium-ion battery. Moments later, the battery exploded, igniting a fire that quickly engulfed the residence. Miraculously, the Tulsa Fire Department arrived swiftly, extinguishing the blaze before it could cause further damage. Thankfully, the occupants were unharmed, and the pets managed to escape through a dog door.
The incident underscores a pressing issue that has been increasingly concerning fire departments across the nation: the hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries. The Tulsa Fire Department took to Facebook to emphasize the critical need for proper battery storage and handling. Their post cautioned, “BE CAREFUL you may have items in your home that can lead to a disaster if not properly handled! We responded to a house fire in May that was caused by a damaged lithium-ion battery. While the home was significantly damaged, their two dogs and cat escaped the home uninjured through a dog door.”
Andy Little, a public information officer with the Tulsa Fire Department, highlighted the dangers of these batteries in a video statement. “Today, I want to bring to your attention a critical issue that has been affecting fire departments across the United States: fires caused by lithium-ion batteries,” Little said. He explained that while these batteries are known for their compact energy storage, they can become highly dangerous if mishandled. “When this energy is released uncontrollably, it can generate extreme heat, produce flammable and toxic gases, and even lead to explosions.”
Little elaborated on how these incidents can be triggered. “The causes can vary—from exposure to extreme heat and physical damage to overcharging or using incompatible chargers. In this particular case, a pet chewed on a portable lithium-ion battery designed for charging cell phones,” he said. He warned that many people keep these batteries at home for convenience, often underestimating their potential dangers. “I urge you to watch the video footage from this fire to understand the severity of the situation.”
Highlighting the lucky outcome for the Tulsa pets, Little noted, “Fortunately, the pets involved were able to escape unharmed through a dog door. However, the outcome could have been far worse if there had been no means of escape or if the family had been asleep. It’s crucial to adhere to manufacturer guidelines, use only approved chargers, and store batteries out of reach of children and pets.”
He concluded with a strong call to action: “Proper storage and disposal of lithium-ion batteries are essential to preventing similar incidents. Never toss these batteries in household garbage or recycling bins, as they can cause fires during transportation or at disposal facilities. Instead, take them to designated recycling centers or hazardous waste collection points. Let’s work together to prevent battery-related fires and keep our homes and communities safe.”
This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vigilance and proper safety measures when dealing with lithium-ion batteries.
