On October 13, 2025, a small fire broke out in a home located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, after a dog chewed on a lithium-ion battery. The incident was reported to the Chapel Hill Fire Department, which swiftly responded to the scene. According to local authorities, the fire was contained within minutes, and no injuries were reported. The pet, however, escaped the incident unharmed.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames before any significant damage could occur, and the area was declared safe for residents to return to. The fire department is investigating the cause of the incident, with the lithium-ion battery suspected as the primary source. Authorities are also advising pet owners and homeowners to take precautions to prevent similar incidents, especially with the increasing use of lithium-ion batteries in household appliances and electronics.
Local officials have not commented on any long-term effects or changes in regulations as a result of this incident, but the episode has sparked a renewed discussion about the safety of lithium-ion batteries in residential settings. The event has also highlighted the importance of pet-proofing home environments to prevent such dangerous situations from occurring in the future.