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Dog chews lithium-ion battery, sparking house fire in Tulsa

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Dog causes house fire by chewing lithium-ion battery

As reported by Forbes, the Tulsa Fire Department has released a video showing the dangers of mishandling lithium-ion batteries.

The footage captures a fire starting after a dog chews through a lithium-ion battery, underscoring the importance of proper usage and storage of these power sources.

In the video, Andy Little, the Tulsa Fire Department public information officer, states: “Fire departments all over the country are seeing fires related to these batteries and we want the public to learn about usage, safe storage and proper disposal of these potentially dangerous batteries.”

The footage, taken from a home monitoring system, shows the fire igniting as the dog chews on the battery, ultimately causing a fire in the pet bed.

Fortunately, no pets were harmed as they escaped through a dog door.

However, the fire caused significant damage to the house.

Risks associated with lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in many devices such as phones, laptops, and electric vehicles due to their lightweight and rechargeable nature.

Despite their convenience, these batteries can pose serious risks when mishandled.

Little explained: “Lithium-ion batteries are known for storing a significant amount of energy in a compact space.

“However, when this energy is released uncontrollably, it can generate heat, produce flammable and toxic gases and even lead to explosions.”

Incidents can occur due to various conditions, including exposure to extreme heat, physical damage, overcharging, or using incompatible charging equipment.

High-profile cases have involved fires on airplanes, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to keep a record of such incidents.

Safety guidelines for lithium-ion batteries

The National Fire Protection Association provides guidelines for safe handling of lithium-ion batteries:

  • Only purchase batteries listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
  • Use the charging equipment supplied with the device.
  • Stop charging once the battery is full.
  • Avoid storing batteries in extreme temperatures or blocking exits.
  • Do not dispose of batteries in household garbage or recycling bins.
  • Discontinue use if the battery shows signs of damage.
  • Do not modify batteries or chargers.
  • Have repairs done by qualified professionals.

Impact of the incident

The fire in Tulsa serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of understanding and properly handling electronics.

Little remarked: “It could have been much worse if there had been no means of escape or if the family was asleep at the time.”

The Tulsa Fire Department aims to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents by educating the public on the potential hazards of lithium-ion batteries.

Dog causes house fire by chewing lithium-ion battery, Tulsa Fire Department shares: Summary

The Tulsa Fire Department has released video footage showing a fire caused by a dog chewing on a lithium-ion battery, as reported by Forbes.

The incident, which resulted in significant damage to a house, emphasizes the need for proper handling and storage of these batteries.

The National Fire Protection Association provides guidelines to prevent such incidents, including using approved batteries and chargers, avoiding extreme temperatures, and not disposing of batteries in household waste.

The Tulsa Fire Department aims to educate the public on these safety measures to prevent future fires.

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