HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Houston County woman is without a home after a Friday night fire in the Statham’s Landing subdivision, which she believes was caused by a lithium battery in her golf cart.
The fire broke out around 10 p.m., according to the Houston County Fire Department, starting in the garage and quickly spreading to the attic. The fire department says the homeowner and her pets made it out safely, but the fire caused extensive damage to the house. While the official cause is still under investigation, the homeowner said she suspects that a lithium battery charging in her golf cart may have triggered the blaze.
Houston County Fire Chief Chris Stoner emphasized the importance of following safety precautions when using lithium batteries.
"Lithium batteries can be hazardous if they aren’t handled properly," he said.
He advised residents to always follow manufacturer guidelines, avoid charging batteries unattended, and ensure the cords are set to handle the amperage from the device it is plugged into.
The fire department says both the Warner Robins Fire Department and the Houston County Fire Department arrived within minutes of the 911 call. Neighbors expressed concerns about the fire spreading, but firefighters managed to contain it.
Stoner also noted other potential hazards associated with the use of lithium batteries, including the dangers of using surge protectors or daisy-chaining power strips together, which he described as a recipe for a fire to start.
The Red Cross is currently assisting the displaced family. Stoner says this incident serves as a stark reminder for everyone to take fire safety seriously, particularly when dealing with powerful lithium batteries.
“Just make sure you are taking those extra precautions,” Stoner said. “If it’s something you can charge outside, then do that. Someplace away from the house, because these things are a problem.”
The National Fire Protection Association reports that lithium battery fires can occur for various reasons, including physical or electrical damage and exposure to extreme temperatures. To prevent such fires, they recommend stopping charging a battery once it's full, discontinuing use of a device if the battery shows signs of damage such as an unusual odor or excessive heat, and having a professional repair your device if needed.