Dog Chews Lithium Battery, Sparks House Fire: Firefighter's Warning

Accidental Fire Started by Pet

• 🐶 Colton, a 5-year-old rescue dog, accidentally started a house fire after chewing on a lithium-ion battery.
• ⚡ The incident occurred when Colton broke the safety seal of a device and bit into the battery, causing it to ignite.

Firefighter's Experience and Warning

• 🔥 The fire was quickly contained due to a rug and the owner's immediate presence, with minimal damage.
• ⚠️ The owner, a firefighter, emphasizes the dangers of lithium batteries and the importance of safe handling and storage.

Safe Handling of Lithium Batteries

• 🔌 Users must pay attention when charging, unplugging devices when done.
• 🏠 Batteries should be stored where they cannot be broken, cracked, or chewed by pets.
• ♻️ Proper disposal is crucial, as lithium batteries require specific recycling methods.

Wider Implications and Incidents

• 🚨 In Raleigh, lithium batteries have been linked to approximately a dozen fires in the past year.
• 🚒 In Durham, two trash trucks caught fire due to batteries being improperly disposed of instead of recycled.