Dogs are naturally curious, often exploring the world with their mouths. While toys, bones, and treats usually satisfy this instinct, pets sometimes chew items that pose real dangers.
From shoes to furniture, and occasionally hazardous devices, their curiosity can have serious consequences.
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, one unsuspecting dog turned a phone charger with a lithium-ion battery into a perilous hazard.
What seemed like a harmless object quickly became a source of fire, and no one was home to intervene before the situation escalated.
The Moment The Fire Ignited
The Tulsa Fire Department shared video footage of the incident, which quickly circulated online, drawing attention across social media and news outlets nationwide.
The clip shows one dog gripping a lithium-ion phone charger in his mouth as he hops onto a mattress, chewing with apparent enthusiasm. Meanwhile, his companion lounges nearby on the couch, visible in the frame.
Suddenly, sparks erupt as the charger explodes, igniting the mattress beneath him. The dog drops the device, but flames have already started spreading rapidly.
Frightened, both dogs bark urgently at the growing blaze, yet their efforts do nothing to contain it. Recognizing the danger, they flee the room through a dog door just moments before firefighters arrive to tackle the fire.
“We responded to a house fire in May that was caused by a damaged lithium-ion battery. While the home was significantly damaged, their two dogs and cat escaped the home uninjured through a dog door,” the Tulsa Fire Department captioned the video.
All the pets escaped unharmed, but the outcome could have been catastrophic without the dog door. If anyone had been inside, the situation could have had far graver consequences.
This event underscores the importance of keeping dangerous objects out of reach of curious pets to prevent accidental house fires.
The Hidden Hazards Of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, yet the home sustained substantial damage. Fortunately, no lives were lost.
Andy Little, public information officer for the Tulsa Fire Department, highlighted the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries, emphasizing the importance of awareness.
“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,” Little said.
He added that several conditions can trigger such incidents, including overheating, overcharging, using incompatible charging equipment, or physical damage such as a dog biting the device.
Since pets cannot comprehend these hazards, the responsibility falls on owners to secure their homes. Lithium-ion battery fires are becoming increasingly common, making vigilance essential.
“Let us work together to prevent lithium-ion battery-related fires and keep our homes and communities safe,” Little said in the end.
