Lithium-ion battery considered possible factor in Fort Mitchell garage fire
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- Lithium-ion battery considered possible factor in Fort Mitchell garage fire that self-extinguished early Thursday morning.
- Homeowner's quick actions limiting airflow and evacuating family safely prevented situation from worsening, fire officials say.
A garage fire was reported early Thursday morning, November 12, in the Fort Mitchell area of Russell County.
According to the Fort Mitchell Fire Department, crews were dispatched at approximately 4 a.m. to a reported garage structure fire off Owens Road.
Upon arrival, firefighters found that the fire had already self-extinguished. The department responded with Engines 801 and 802, along with Truck 805.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials say a lithium-ion battery is being considered as a possible contributing factor, but no official determination has been made.
The Fort Mitchell Fire Department recognized the homeowner for his quick thinking and actions during the incident.
After discovering the fire, the homeowner took steps to limit airflow to the affected area, safely evacuated himself and his family, and immediately called 911.
Fire officials say those actions helped prevent an already dangerous situation from becoming worse by prioritizing the family’s safety and limiting the fire’s access to additional oxygen.
The department is also reminding residents that lithium-ion batteries can pose a serious fire hazard, particularly when they are damaged, improperly charged, or defective. Residents are encouraged to use manufacturer-recommended chargers and avoid charging batteries near combustible materials.
Fire officials remind residents that if a fire occurs inside their home, everyone should get outside, close doors behind them if it is safe to do so, and call 911. No one should ever re-enter a burning structure.
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