On July 31, the Tulsa Fire Department warned residents about the potential damage a lithium-ion battery could cause. It shared a pet cam footage showing a dog chewing on a power bank, which resulted in a house fire in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Fortunately, the multi-pet household’s furry companions safely escaped the property through a dog door.
Pets escape through dog door after accidentally starting a house fire
In May, the Tulsa Fire Department assisted with a house fire that a dog started. In the dramatic video footage, a canine and a feline could be seen napping comfortably when another pup comes to their bed with the power bank in their mouth.
The resting companion animals didn’t think much of it and continued sleeping through their shenanigans. However, the lithium-ion battery exploded, letting out sparks and smoke. The pet bed caught on fire since the dog was on their bed. The small fire spread quickly, with the two pups running back and forth due to the panic. After running away when the power bank first exploded, the cat was nowhere to be seen throughout the video.
The dog chewing on the lithium-ion battery stayed by the fire the longest, watching the flames until they got out of control and spread to the couch. According to the Facebook post, the house fire caused significant damage to the property in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The pets were lucky to make it out alive, escaping the fire uninjured.
In the video, the Tulsa Fire Department public information officer, Andy Little, noted, “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 gasses and even lead to explosions.”
Other than physical damage caused to the battery, exposure to extreme heat and overcharging can also cause these incidents. Pet parents must properly store or dispose of these batteries for their furry friend’s safety.
