Ottawa firefighters swiftly responded to a fire incident on Thursday morning triggered by a family dog chewing on a heated ski glove, leading to the battery igniting. Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) received alerts about the fire at a two-story residence on Bevington Walk in Orléans from an alarm monitoring company and concerned passersby who dialed 911.
Upon arrival within four minutes, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames emanating from a ground floor window. They promptly tackled the blaze using a hose and conducted a search of the premises for occupants. The firefighters successfully rescued the family dog, unharmed, and brought the fire under control in approximately 10 minutes.
According to OFS spokesperson Nick DeFazio, fires caused by pets are not uncommon, but the ignition method in this case was exceptionally rare. Security camera footage revealed that the dog had chewed on a heated ski glove containing a lithium-ion battery while on a couch, leading to the battery damage and subsequent fire outbreak.
Following the incident, the house occupants, an adult, and a child have been displaced. OFS emphasized the importance of handling lithium-ion batteries with care due to their potential safety risks if mishandled or damaged. The homeowner cooperated by sharing the video footage with the fire department for educational purposes.
OFS also highlighted the significance of monitored smoke alarms in providing early fire detection and dispatching assistance promptly. Residents are advised to store items with lithium-ion batteries securely, out of reach of pets and children, and to discontinue using and safely dispose of any damaged batteries or devices to prevent similar incidents in the future.