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Video Shows Dog Bite Lithium-Ion Battery, Igniting Small Fire in Chapel Hill

Fire officials released the footage to warn residents about the risks posed by damaged lithium‑ion cells.

Overview

  • The October 13 incident in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was captured by a home security camera and later posted by the Chapel Hill Fire Department on Facebook.
  • The dog, a five-year-old named Colton, chewed through a battery’s protective casing, triggering heavy smoke and a brief ignition on a living room carpet.
  • No injuries were reported, and damage was limited to smoke and a ruined carpet as the fire self-extinguished.
  • Homeowner David Sasser, a local firefighter, shared the video to raise awareness after being alerted by his home security system.
  • Officials urged residents to charge and store batteries safely, keep them out of pets’ reach, and dispose of damaged units at authorized sites.