Oklahoma fire officials have released footage of a house fire that occurred in May, revealing an unusual cause: a dog chewing through a phone charger. Fortunately, all residents and pets escaped the home safely and without injury.
The Tulsa Fire Department is using the accident to highlight the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in many everyday devices. According to the department, these batteries can pose significant risks when an uncontrolled release of energy occurs, which can produce flammable and toxic gases, and, in some cases, lead to explosions.
“Be careful, you may have items in your home that can lead to a disaster if not properly handled,” the department said. “We want the public to learn about usage, safe storage and proper disposal of these potentially dangerous batteries.”
This incident is part of a broader pattern, as fire departments across the country have increasingly encountered issues related to lithium-ion batteries. The Tulsa Fire Department is urging the public to be aware of the potential hazards and to take precautions to ensure the safe handling of these batteries.