Dog's Curious Chew on Lithium-Ion Battery Sparks Oklahoma House Fire

A video released by the Tulsa Fire Department in Oklahoma shows a dog unintentionally starting a house fire after chewing on a lithium-ion battery.

A video released by the Tulsa Fire Department in Oklahoma serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries, especially when left within reach of pets or children.

The footage, captured by an indoor monitoring camera, depicts two dogs and a cat frolicking in the living room of a residence. Suddenly, one of the dogs grabs a lithium-ion battery pack and begins gnawing on it. Within moments, the battery explodes, setting the house ablaze.

Dog's Curious Chew on Lithium-Ion Battery Sparks Oklahoma House Fire

Thankfully, the quick response of the Tulsa Fire Department extinguished the blaze before it could spread further. All the pets, including the dog responsible for the mishap, escaped the burning home through a dog door.

Fire officials have emphasized the importance of exercising caution when handling lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used to power a wide range of devices, from smartphones to laptops. These batteries store a significant amount of energy in a compact space, making them susceptible to overheating and explosions when damaged or improperly handled.

Dog's Curious Chew on Lithium-Ion Battery Sparks Oklahoma House Fire

"The outcome could have been much worse if there had been no means of escape or if the family was asleep at the time," said Andy Little, public information officer for the Tulsa Fire Department.

Little urged the public to take precautions when using lithium-ion batteries, including:

Dog's Curious Chew on Lithium-Ion Battery Sparks Oklahoma House Fire

- Adhering to manufacturer guidelines

- Using only approved chargers

- Storing batteries out of reach of children and pets

The National Fire Protection Agency recommends that users stop charging lithium-ion devices once the battery is fully charged. Additionally, batteries should never be left unattended while charging.

The Tulsa Fire Department's video highlights the potential hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, emphasizing the need for responsible use and proper storage to prevent accidental fires.