The dramatic incident occurred in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a dog chewed through a portable lithium-ion phone battery.
Canine fire starter
Footage from the Tulsa Fire Department shows the battery igniting after the dog bites it while lying on a pillow. The resulting flames force the dog, a cat and their other canine sibling to flee for safety.
Initially, the two dogs observed the flames from a distance, barking. However, the fire quickly spread to the sofa, filling the room with thick smoke. Fortunately, the pets escaped unharmed, though the home suffered considerable damage.
Lucky escape
Following what happened, the Tulsa Fire Department stressed the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries. After all, the situation could have been much work if it had happened during the night while the family were asleep or if the animals hadn't been able to get away.
"When these batteries fail, they can generate intense heat, release harmful gases, and even explode," the fire department explained.
Here's the dramatic footage:
Owners are urged to keep these types of batteries well out of reach from pets and children and to dispose of them properly at recycling centres when they are finished with them rather than just throwing them in the bin with normal household rubbish.
