A recent fire in Tulsa highlights the serious safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Surveillance footage captured the dramatic incident in which a dog bit into a lithium-ion battery power bank, triggering a fire that caused substantial damage to a local home. The video, released by the Tulsa Fire Department, shows the dog chewing on the battery before it ignites. The fire spread quickly, but fortunately, the two dogs and a cat in the house were able to escape unharmed.
The home, however, sustained significant damage.
Tulsa, OK Local 176 member Craig Deerinwater says fire fighters arrived on scene quickly. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, “This recent fire underscores the severe risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. Their potential to cause explosive fires highlights the need for strict safety measures in every household.”
He added, “Our primary goal is to educate the public about these hazards. By following safety guidelines and proper handling practices, we can significantly reduce the risk of such dangerous incidents and protect our communities.”
While Deerinwater says these incidents don’t happen often in Tulsa, lithium-ion fires are part of a growing trend. The IAFF and UL Solutions recently conducted an extensive two-year study on lithium-ion battery fires to shed light on how these fires ignite and spread.
“Fire fighters are trained to respond quickly to all hazards, and lithium-ion battery fires present one more challenge facing IAFF members every day,” said Sean DeCrane, the IAFF’s Director of Health and Safety Operational Services. “These fires can be explosive and vast – turning dangerous in seconds – so it’s important the public follows all manufacturer instructions to keep themselves, and first responders, safe.”
Our primary goal is to educate the public about these hazards. By following safety guidelines and proper handling practices, we can significantly reduce the risk of such dangerous incidents and protect our communities.
craig deerinwater, tulsa, ok local 176
To help prevent such incidents, homeowners are advised to ensure that devices using lithium-ion batteries are certified by reputable testing agencies. Additionally, it is important to store lithium-ion batteries separately from each other, with at least two feet of space between them, and keep them away from flammable materials. When charging, avoid leaving lithium-ion batteries unattended overnight and use the charger provided with the device, plugging it directly into a wall socket rather than using extension cords or power strips. Devices should also be stored in safe locations, away from exits and not blocking doorways or hallways.
For more information on lithium-ion battery safety, visit the link here.
