A family pet chewing on a seemingly harmless item sparked a significant house fire in Ottawa, prompting a swift response from firefighters and serving as a stark warning to pet owners about hidden household dangers.
Unusual Source of the Blaze
According to Ottawa Fire Services, the fire was ignited on January 08, 2026. The investigation revealed the unlikely culprit: a family dog. The canine had been chewing on a battery-powered heated glove, a common item during Canada's cold winters. The damage to the glove's lithium-ion battery pack is believed to have caused a short circuit, leading to a thermal runaway event that set nearby materials ablaze.
Firefighters Swiftly Contain the Incident
Fire crews were dispatched to the residential address after receiving an emergency call. They arrived to find smoke and flames visible from the affected area of the home. Firefighters worked efficiently to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the structure. While the fire caused considerable property damage, there were no reported injuries to the home's human or animal occupants, thanks to the quick actions taken.
A Critical Reminder for Pet Owners
This incident underscores a growing safety concern in modern households. Items containing lithium-ion batteries—such as heated clothing, vapes, phones, laptops, and certain children's toys—pose a serious fire risk if their casing is punctured or damaged. Pets, driven by curiosity or teething, can easily compromise these devices.
Ottawa Fire Services recommends that residents treat all battery-powered devices with care and store them securely out of reach of pets and children. Key safety tips include:
- Always store devices with lithium-ion batteries in a secure location when not in use.
- Avoid leaving items like heated gloves or socks on low furniture where pets can access them.
- Inspect battery casings regularly for signs of damage, swelling, or overheating.
- Dispose of damaged batteries properly at designated hazardous waste facilities.
This event in Ottawa serves as a powerful reminder that everyday conveniences can become unexpected hazards, and proactive prevention is the best defense against household fires.
