by Chapel Hill, NC – A family dog caused a small fire at a North Carolina firefighter’s home after chewing on a device containing a lithium-ion battery, highlighting the importance of home safety and awareness of potential hazards. The incident, captured by a home security camera, quickly went viral online, drawing attention for both its unusual cause and the quick response that prevented major damage.
The Incident
According to the Chapel Hill Fire Department, the family dog, named Colton, jumped onto a living room rug and began chewing a device while the family was away. The security camera recorded the exact moment the device started to smoke and then ignite, prompting Colton to jump back in surprise.
“Colton is a good boy, but he counter-surfed while his humans (a CHFD family) were away and got hold of a device with a lithium-ion battery,” the department wrote in a Facebook post accompanying the video.
The smoke from the device quickly spread across the rug, creating a small but potentially dangerous fire.
Quick Response Prevents Major Damage
Owner David Sasser, a firefighter with the Chapel Hill Fire Department, said he received an alert from his home security system app notifying him about unusual activity.
“I had no idea what was going on. I had no clue what it could possibly be and came home to find that the rug had burned up,” Sasser told WRAL-TV.
Thanks to the alert and the family’s prompt response, the fire was quickly contained and did not spread beyond the rug. Colton, the dog, was unharmed. Sasser said the incident served as a reminder of how quickly everyday objects can turn into fire hazards if left unattended.
The Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in phones, tablets, and other electronic devices, can pose significant fire risks if damaged, chewed, or exposed to heat. When punctured or short-circuited, these batteries can overheat, emit smoke, and even ignite nearby combustible materials.
“We learned to be really aware of things in our home and to operate them safely,” Sasser said.
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He emphasized that even in households with experienced firefighters, accidents can happen in seconds, especially when pets are involved.
Safety Takeaways for Pet Owners
Experts advise pet owners to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of fires caused by pets:
- Keep electronic devices out of reach: Store phones, tablets, and other battery-operated devices on high surfaces or inside drawers.
- Use pet-proof storage solutions: Prevent curious pets from accessing potentially dangerous items.
- Monitor pets with security cameras: Modern home security systems can alert owners to unusual activity, allowing for swift action.
- Educate family members: Everyone in the household should understand the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and other potential fire hazards.
Sasser’s experience demonstrates that even a small fire caused by a pet can serve as a learning opportunity for all homeowners.
Social Media Reaction
The video of Colton’s misadventure has generated widespread attention on social media, with users expressing both amusement and concern. Many praised the quick action of the Sasser family and noted how common such accidents can be, even in homes with firefighters.
“That dog is lucky you saw it in time! Lithium batteries are no joke,” one commenter wrote.
“This is exactly why I keep all my electronics up high. Pets are little chaos machines,” another said.
Others appreciated the humorous side of the clip, joking about Colton’s apparent surprise when the device ignited.
A Reminder About Home Fire Safety
While the incident ended without injury, it highlights the importance of vigilance around pets and potential fire hazards. Fire experts recommend that every household, especially those with curious animals, maintain working smoke detectors, keep flammable materials out of reach, and respond immediately to security alerts.
“Even a small fire can escalate quickly if unnoticed. This was a lucky situation, and it’s a good reminder for all of us,” Sasser said.
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