A dog in Tulsa, Oklahoma, unintentionally sparked a house fire after chewing on a power bank containing a lithium-ion battery, highlighting the potential hazards associated with these devices. The incident, which occurred in May, was captured on video and later shared by the Tulsa Fire Department as a cautionary tale.
In the footage, the dog is seen holding the power bank before chewing on it while lying on a dog bed. The battery soon ignites, causing a fire. Fortunately, the home’s two dogs and a cat managed to escape unharmed through a dog door.
Andy Little, the public information officer for the Tulsa Fire Department, emphasized the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries when they are damaged or improperly stored. He explained that these batteries, while efficient, can release dangerous amounts of energy if mishandled, leading to fires, explosions, and the release of toxic gases.
Little advised the public to keep such devices out of reach of pets and children and to dispose of them properly at designated recycling centers. He also cautioned against throwing lithium-ion batteries in household garbage or recycling bins to prevent potential fires.
The home sustained significant damage, but the quick escape of the pets prevented what could have been a more tragic outcome.