Dog's Chewed Battery Sparks Fire Alert for Pet Owners!

A family living in Willingcott Valley, Woolacombe, experienced a frightening situation when they noticed a burning smell in their home. Unsure of where the smell was coming from, they called Braunton Fire Station for help. When the firefighters arrived, they searched the house but could not immediately find any flames or obvious source of the smell. After a careful search, they discovered that the family's dog had picked up a lithium battery from a child's toy and chewed on it while lying in its bed. The battery was damaged, and some of the dog's bedding had started to burn as a result. Lithium batteries are commonly found in many household items, such as toys, vapes, and car key fobs. When these batteries are damaged, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode. The firefighters explained that incidents involving lithium batteries have been increasing in recent years. They warned that this situation could have ended much worse if the burning smell had not been discovered early. The fire service used this incident as an example to remind everyone about the dangers of lithium batteries. They urged people to keep loose batteries out of reach of both pets and children. Pets, especially dogs, might chew on batteries if they find them, and children might play with them, not realizing the danger. The fire service said, 'Thankfully the cause was discovered early and didn't develop further, but it could very easily have been a different outcome. ' They emphasized the importance of being aware of where batteries are stored in the home. If you have old or unused batteries, do not leave them lying around. Store them in a safe place, such as a locked drawer or a container that pets and children cannot access. If you notice a battery that is leaking, broken, or looks damaged, do not touch it with your bare hands. Instead, ask an adult for help or contact your local fire service for advice. The firefighters also advised that if you ever smell something burning in your home and cannot find the source, you should call the fire service immediately. Fires can start quickly and spread fast, so it is always better to be safe and let professionals check your home. The family in this story was fortunate because the firefighters found the problem before it turned into a serious fire. This incident serves as a reminder for everyone to be careful with batteries and to keep them away from pets and children. By taking simple steps, such as storing batteries safely and being alert to unusual smells, you can help protect your family and your home from fire hazards. Stay safe and remember to always be cautious with batteries and other potential fire risks in your home.