A video released by the Tulsa, Oklahoma, Fire Department shows a dog unintentionally starting a house fire after chewing on a lithium-ion battery.
In the video, two dogs and a cat can be seen being filmed by a surveillance camera installed in the living room of the house. One of the dogs begins chewing on a lithium-ion battery until it explodes and the house catches fire.
The fire that followed was brought under control by the firefighters who intervened quickly. All the animals were able to escape from the burning house through a cat flap.
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“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.
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Little added that lithium-ion batteries are useful for charging mobile devices because they store a “significant amount of energy in a compact space.”
“Many people keep these batteries in their homes for convenience, not realizing the potential dangers they pose,” Little said in the video.
“It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using lithium-ion batteries, using only approved chargers and storing them out of reach of children and pets.”
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The National Fire Protection Agency recommends that all lithium-ion battery users stop charging their devices when the battery is fully charged.