- tech360.tv
Dramatic Footage Captures Lithium-Ion Battery Fire After Dog Chews On It
Video footage captures a dog causing a lithium-ion battery to catch fire. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used but can be dangerous if mishandled. Tips for safe lithium-ion battery handling include using approved batteries and chargers, avoiding extreme temperatures, and recognising signs of damage.
Andy Little, a public information officer at the Tulsa Fire Department, emphasised the importance of understanding the correct usage, safe storage, and proper disposal of these potentially hazardous batteries. The department shared a video on Facebook featuring footage from an indoor home-monitoring system, highlighting the dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries.
In the video, a white dog is seen carrying a portable phone charger to a pet bed where it begins to chew on the battery's cord and casing. Suddenly, the battery emits smoke and sparks, leading to a fire on the bed. The startled pets, including two other animals, a dog, and a cat, react with alarm as flames erupt.
Fortunately, all pets managed to escape unharmed through a dog door. Little expressed gratitude for their safety, acknowledging that the outcome could have been far worse if there had been no escape route or if the family had been asleep during the incident.
Lithium-ion batteries are prevalent in various devices such as phones, laptops, and electric vehicles due to their lightweight, rechargeable nature, and extended lifespan compared to alkaline batteries. Despite their benefits, these batteries can pose risks when mishandled.
Little highlighted that lithium-ion batteries store a significant amount of energy in a compact space, which, if released uncontrollably, can result in heat generation, flammable gases, and even explosions. Incidents involving these batteries can be triggered by factors like extreme heat, physical damage, overcharging, or using incompatible charging equipment.
The Federal Aviation Administration has documented numerous cases of fires related to lithium-ion batteries, particularly on aeroplanes, emphasising the importance of handling these batteries safely to prevent accidents.
Video footage captures a dog causing a lithium-ion battery to catch fire.
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used but can be dangerous if mishandled.
Tips for safe lithium-ion battery handling include using approved batteries and chargers, avoiding extreme temperatures, and recognising signs of damage.
Credit: FORBES