Dramatic new footage released by the Tulsa Fire Department shows the moment a dog ignites a house fire by chewing on a lithium-ion battery. The incident, which occurred in May, highlights the potential hazards of lithium-ion batteries after the portable cellphone battery began to spark and burst into flames. Fortunately, the family and their pets, including two dogs and a cat, managed to escape without injury.
The pets found their way out through a dog door, according to Andy Little, a spokesperson for the Tulsa Fire Department.
“The fire caused significant damage to the home, but it could have been far worse if the family had been asleep or if there had been no way for the animals to escape,” Little warned.
Little emphasized that lithium-ion battery fires are a growing concern for fire departments nationwide. “These batteries store a large amount of energy in a compact form, which, if released uncontrollably, can generate extreme heat, produce flammable and toxic gases, and even cause explosions,” he explained.
Experts note that factors such as extreme heat, physical damage, overcharging, and using incompatible charging equipment can increase the risk of a fire. To mitigate these risks, Little advised the public to handle lithium-ion batteries with care, keeping them out of reach of children and pets.
For disposal, Little recommended taking old batteries to designated recycling centers or hazardous waste collection points rather than throwing them in the trash, which can damage the batteries and potentially trigger a fire.
“By taking these precautions, we can work together to prevent battery-related fires and ensure the safety of our homes and communities,” Little added.
Check the video below via KOCO-5 News:
