Lithium battery explodes in Vancouver Island fire chief’s home
Nick Acciavatti says the battery was not plugged in or charging when it caught fire
The chief of the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department near Qualicum Beach is warning people about lithium batteries after one exploded in his home.
Nick Acciavatti says the incident occurred on Saturday Nov. 30, about a week after he purchased the new battery to use in an air-soft gun.
“We had a very close call yesterday afternoon which if our smoke alarms were not working and quick action (not taken) to extinguish the fire, we would have lost our home or at best made it unliveable,” he said in a social media post.
“The battery was not charging and not plugged into anything and was set down on the floor. The subsequent fire caught some clothes on fire in the closet and if it went unnoticed it would have extended further into the closet and undoubtedly caught the bedroom on fire. Lucky for us someone was home to hear the alarms and see the smoke/fire.
“This is a good reminder to keep a watchful eye on lithium batteries, don’t leave them plugged beyond their charge capacity, and routinely check them for damage.
“Although this product may had have a manufacturing defect that was unnoticeable, it’s a good reminder that even when you think a product is safe, to keep a close eye on them.”
Acciavatti said he would be reaching out to the battery maker this week to report the fire.
