Firefighters in Ottawa rescued a family dog from a burning residence Saturday morning after the animal inadvertently started the fire by chewing on a battery-powered skiing glove.
Ottawa Fire Services dispatched crews shortly after 9 a.m. to a home in the Orléans neighborhood following an alert from a monitoring company reporting an active fire alarm. The homeowner, who was traveling to the residence at the time, confirmed through interior security cameras that flames were indeed burning inside the structure. Multiple motorists passing the home also contacted emergency services to report visible flames.
Fire crews arrived at the scene within four minutes of dispatch. They encountered heavy smoke and flames venting from a first-floor bay window. Firefighters immediately launched an aggressive suppression effort, knocking down flames that had breached the window before advancing into the home to complete extinguishment operations.
During their search of the residence, firefighters located the family dog and carried the animal safely outside. The pet sustained no injuries. No people were inside the home at the time of the fire.
The blaze displaced one adult and one child, though no injuries were reported among residents or emergency personnel.
Fire officials declared the incident under control at 9:23 a.m., approximately ten minutes after crews arrived on scene. This swift response prevented the fire from spreading further through the structure. Firefighters conducted two complete searches to confirm no occupants remained inside.
An investigator from Ottawa Fire Services determined the cause of the fire through examination of the scene and review of security camera footage. The evidence showed the family dog had pulled a heated skiing glove onto a couch. The glove contained a lithium-ion battery, which the dog then chewed on, damaging the power source. The compromised battery subsequently ignited, starting the fire.
Fire officials used the incident to issue a warning about the serious fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries when they are damaged. These batteries, commonly found in consumer electronics and heated clothing, can experience thermal runaway when punctured or otherwise compromised, leading to intense fires that can spread rapidly.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper storage of battery-powered devices, particularly in homes with pets or children who might inadvertently damage them. Fire safety experts recommend keeping such items in secure locations where they cannot be accessed by animals or young children.
The quick response by Ottawa Fire Services and the early warning provided by the home’s monitoring system proved crucial in preventing a more serious outcome. The family’s security camera system also played a vital role, allowing the homeowner to confirm the emergency and providing investigators with clear evidence of how the fire started.
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