The woman’s house tragically went up in flames in just ’10 minutes’ after a common, everyday item unexpectedly set on fire. She’s now having to live in a hotel and her pets perished
A house fire survivor has urged people to ensure they get rid of one thing that’s likely lurking in drawers or cupboards in homes up and down the country. The woman shared photos of the fire damage caused after just 10 minutes and sought to warn others so they could avoid a similar traumatic event.
The fire was caused by a lithium battery “spontaneously combusting,” with the flames ravaging Roberta Mander Maghouin’s home and destroying more than 6,000 books she collected over the years. Lithium batteries are used to power an array of electronic devices from e-bikes and electric vehicles to smartphones, laptops and more.
According to the British Safety Council, they have been “increasingly linked to serious fires in workplaces and residential buildings,” so knowing their risks and the correct way to dispose of them to avoid a dangerous outcome is essential.
On Facebook, Roberta shared photos of the destroyed room in her home and penned: “A few days ago we had a lithium battery spontaneously combust. In less than 10 minutes there were flames through the roof. Over 6000 books, likely total loss.
“PSA [public service announcement]: Dispose/recycle unused phones and computers. They can combust simply from aging, need not be plugged in or anything.”
Roberta and her partner weren’t home at the time so luckily avoided injury but sadly, their cats perished. It’s believed the fire was started by a laptop combusting.
She has a “nearly complete inventory” of her book collection and “very good insurance” to try and recoup some belongings.
In the comments section, fellow social media users were keen to express their thoughts and condolences – as well as similar experiences of their own.
One person said: “I am so beyond sorry. This is devastating.”
Another said: “I am so sorry that this happened to you but thank you for sharing it and warning others. I have really been bummed by how many things you can ONLY get with lithium batteries anymore – for this very reason. This is my worst fear.”
A third commented: “I have like 2 old phones and computers that don’t work just sitting in my closet. You’re telling me they’re a fire hazard?”
While a fourth shared: “I’m so sorry this happened. It’s so scary because we have at least 10 old phones and a few laptops in a closet. I’ve got to figure out how to get rid of them!”
Someone else said: “[I’ve] had this happen to me too. 6 years ago.”
Another said: “I’m sorry for your loss. I have a friend in Oregon that lost her home too from a battery in their garage.”
And another added: “Wow I had no idea! I just don’t know how to get rid of them.”
The British Safety Council states: “Fortunately, Lithium-ion battery failures are relatively rare, but in the event of a malfunction, they can represent a serious fire risk.
“They are safe products and meet many EN standards. However, when charged, Li-ion cells store a large amount of energy and are especially sensitive to high temperatures and damage, such as penetration and crushing.
“If a battery degrades, gets hot, or suffers a short circuit, heat and pressure build up inside. Warning signs that a battery is likely to fail include bulging or swelling, sometimes accompanied by other signs such as discharging too fast and/or the battery being hot to the touch.”
To safely get rid of a lithium battery, it should be taken to a specialist recycling centre or collected via a hazardous waste disposal service, as they pose a fire risk if put in household bins.
