A Thursday morning house fire in Ottawa's Orléans neighbourhood has been attributed to an unlikely culprit: the family dog chewing on a battery-powered hand warmer. The incident, which resulted in no injuries but displaced two residents, highlights the hidden fire risks associated with common lithium-ion battery devices.
Security Footage Reveals Unusual Cause
Ottawa Fire Services spokesperson Nick De Fazio confirmed the cause after reviewing interior security camera footage provided by the homeowner. The footage showed the family dog grabbing a ski glove equipped with a lithium-ion battery heating element.
The animal then brought the glove onto a living room couch and began to chew on it. This chewing action damaged the battery's casing, leading to a process known as "thermal runaway." The compromised battery subsequently failed, ignited, and started the fire.
Swift Response Limits Damage and Saves Pet
The blaze occurred on January 8, 2026, at a two-storey, single-family home on Bevington Walk. A monitoring company alerted Ottawa Fire Services just after 9 a.m. about an active fire alarm. Additional 9-1-1 calls from passersby reported visible flames.
Firefighters arrived on the scene within four minutes of being dispatched. They encountered heavy smoke and flames venting from a first-storey bay window. While one crew attacked the fire, a secondary team entered to search for any trapped occupants.
During this search, firefighters located the family dog inside the home. They safely carried the animal outside, and it was confirmed to be unharmed. The fire was declared under control approximately ten minutes after crews arrived, preventing significant spread through the structure.
Safety Reminder on Lithium-Ion Battery Risks
In the aftermath, Ottawa Fire Services issued a crucial safety reminder to the public. Lithium-ion batteries, found in countless devices from phones to hand warmers, pose a serious fire risk if damaged. Puncturing, crushing, or improper handling can lead to failure and ignition.
The fire department advises the public to:
- Immediately and properly dispose of any battery or device showing signs of damage, swelling, overheating, or malfunction.
- Store devices containing lithium-ion batteries out of reach of pets and children.
- Be aware that even small, everyday items can become hazardous if their batteries are compromised.
The fire resulted in no human injuries, but one adult and one child were displaced from their home. The incident serves as a stark warning for pet owners and all residents about the importance of safely storing and monitoring devices powered by these common batteries.
