A Chapel Hill fire chief’s dog, Colton, sparked a small house fire after chewing on a lithium-ion battery while his owners were away. The incident highlights the potential dangers of improperly stored lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in devices like smartphones, laptops, and power tools. The fire department released a video of the event, underscoring the importance of proper handling and storage of these batteries to prevent such incidents.
Colton, who escaped with only minor smoke exposure, is now kept in a crate when his owners are away. The department also used the incident to stress the risks of overcharging or damaging lithium-ion batteries, which can lead to overheating, fires, or explosions. The fire department said the battery was fully charged, unplugged, and not subject to any recalls, but it had not been stored safely.
Officials emphasized that lithium-ion batteries store a significant amount of energy in a compact form, making them particularly hazardous if mishandled. In addition to the house fire, the fire department also released a video showing the incident, which they said was captured to raise awareness about the risks associated with these types of batteries. They urged residents to ensure that lithium-ion batteries are stored in safe, dry environments and not left unattended in places where pets or children might access them.
The fire department stated that while the incident was unfortunate, no one was injured, and the house remains largely intact with only a rug sustaining damage. Colton is now under supervision, and the department said they are continuing to educate the public on the safe handling and storage of lithium-ion batteries to prevent similar incidents in the future.