Ottawa firefighters swiftly responded to a fire incident on Thursday morning caused by a family dog chewing on a heated ski glove, leading to the battery igniting. The fire occurred at a two-story residence on Bevington Walk in Orléans, with the alarm initially raised by a monitoring company and further reported by passersby.
Upon arrival within four minutes, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames emanating from a ground floor window. They effectively tackled the blaze using a hose, proceeded to search for occupants inside, and safely rescued the family dog without any injuries. The fire was successfully brought under control in approximately 10 minutes.
Ottawa Fire Services spokesperson Nick DeFazio highlighted the unusual nature of the fire’s origin, emphasizing that while fires caused by pets are not uncommon, this particular incident was exceptionally rare. Security camera footage revealed that the dog had chewed on the heated ski glove, which contained a lithium-ion battery, resulting in the ignition that led to the fire.
Following the incident, the affected residents, an adult, and a child have been displaced. OFS emphasized the importance of handling lithium-ion batteries cautiously to mitigate potential safety risks, especially when damaged or improperly handled. The homeowner cooperated by sharing the video footage with the fire department to raise awareness and promote fire prevention measures.
OFS underscored the significance of monitored smoke alarms in ensuring prompt response during emergencies, reiterating the need for proper storage of items containing lithium-ion batteries away from pets and children. Additionally, residents were advised to cease using and safely dispose of batteries or devices showing any signs of damage, swelling, or overheating as a precautionary measure.