CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Off-brand lithium-ion batteries used to charge an electric lawn mower sparked a fast-moving house fire Tuesday evening, causing an estimated $175,000 in damage, authorities said.
Fire crews were dispatched shortly after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, to a home in the 1600 block of Clinton Avenue, where firefighters found heavy fire conditions upon arrival, according to the Chambersburg Fire Department.
The fire was concentrated in the home’s front rooms and garage. Firefighters encountered intense heat as they entered the building to battle the blaze.
One resident escaped safely before crews arrived. Firefighters also rescued a dog from inside the home, and the animal was not injured, the department said.
Investigators determined the fire began in the garage. The investigation found that aftermarket lithium-ion batteries had been used with the electric lawn mower’s charger, despite not being designed for that equipment.
The fire was brought under control in about 25 minutes. Crews remained at the scene for approximately 2½ hours.
“We are very fortunate that there were no injuries in this fast-moving fire,” Chambersburg Fire Department Chief and EMS Director Dustin Ulrich said in a statement. “The incident highlights growing concerns among safety officials regarding aftermarket lithium-ion products.”
Ulrich urged consumers to use only batteries and chargers approved by the product manufacturer and made specifically for their appliances to help prevent electrical failures and home fires.
Departments assisting included Franklin Fire Department, Letterkenny Fire Department, New Franklin Fire Department, Fayetteville Fire Department, Pleasant Hall Fire Department, Marion Fire Department, West End Fire and Rescue Department, WellSpan EMS and the Franklin County Hazardous Materials Team.
