Firefighters have issued a warning after a button battery ignites inside a popular children’s book, bursting into flames underneath the child’s car seat just moments after the family left the vehicle. George Hildebran Fire & Rescue Department determined the blaze was caused by a button battery inside the book.
Cocomelon Book JJ’s Potty Time Sets Fire To Back Seat
Shortly after arriving home after church on Sunday, Destiny Williams removed her young daughter Misty from their vehicle. They went inside where she began to prepare lunch. Minutes later, a neighbour came knocking on her door and said, “Hey, your car is smoking.”
She rushed outside and saw her minivan on fire. The fire department was called as a neighbour attempted to put out the flames with a garden hose.
Shock Discovery as Fire Sparks from Battery Button inside Children’s Book
The family was shocked at what the firefighters pulled from the smouldering car.
“I was honestly frightened,” said Destiny’s husband, Pressley.
The firefighter removed the back of a book from the ashes. They say the button battery overheated, and this caused the fire.
“It’s just crazy to me to think that would ever happen with a children’s book,” Destiny said.
“I was honestly shocked because I didn’t think a book could do that, especially a toddler’s book, and you would think you would have warning labels,” her husband added.
Know The Risks
Pressley went on to say, “My initial thought is what if it did happen because I would be without a daughter and a wife.”
Fire Chief Bobby Craig said, “There’s not always going to be warning labels that something has a lithium battery or what type of battery.”
The Williams family wants to see warning labels on not only books but toys with lithium batteries as well.
How Did This Happen?
The fire officials didn’t specifically say the battery was made of lithium, but most button batteries are. The US Fire Administration advises these batteries be kept at room temperature because direct sunlight or high temperatures can cause them to ignite.
General Battery care
It’s important to care for batteries carefully due to the chemicals inside them.
- Store them in a cool, dry spot.
- Use the right type for your device and don’t mix old and new batteries.
- Handle them carefully to avoid leaks or damage and check them now and then for any issues.
- Dispose of used batteries properly through recycling programs.
- Don’t expose them to extreme temperatures, metal objects, or direct sunlight.
- For rechargeable batteries, use the recommended charger and don’t overcharge them.
Hot Car Dangers
It’s summer over in the US, where this happened. However we feel the need to write this to warn you so as we start gearing up for our own hot summer, we’re mindful of the risks and can prevent such an incident again.
Here are 15 more items that should never be left in a hot car.
- Electronic Devices can overheat and get damaged if left in a hot car. Their batteries might fail, or the screens can become cracked.
- Electronic Accessories can degrade or become damaged if left in a hot car. Heat can cause them to malfunction or affect their performance.
- Medication can become ineffective or unsafe if exposed to high temperatures. Always keep them in a cool place.
- Food can spoil or become unsafe to eat if left in a hot car. Bacteria can grow rapidly in food that gets too warm.
- Pets can suffer from heatstroke or even die from being left in a hot car. Always take them with you or leave them at home.
- Cosmetics can melt or lose their effectiveness when left in a hot car. This can make them less safe or less useful.
- Plastic Bottles can warp or leak when exposed to heat. The contents may also become unsafe to drink.
- Sunscreen can break down and become less effective when left in a hot car. This reduces its ability to protect your skin from the sun.
- Sensitive Electronics can malfunction or get damaged due to overheating. High temperatures can affect their performance and longevity.
- Canned Goods can become dangerous if left in a hot car. The heat can cause the cans to swell and potentially burst.
- Children’s Toys can melt or become damaged when left in a hot car. This can make them unsafe or unusable for your child.
- Alcohol can deteriorate or change taste if left in a hot car. The high temperature can affect the quality of the drink.
- Books and Paper can get damaged or ruined if left in a hot car. Heat can cause pages to curl or become brittle.
- Household Cleaning Products can degrade, leak, or become hazardous if left in a hot car. The heat can make them unsafe to use or cause leaks.
- Lighters can become dangerous if left in a hot car. High temperatures can cause them to explode or catch fire.
The William’s family is happy to be safe and feel lucky no one was in the mini-van when it caught fire. This unexpected fire could happen to anyone, so be armed with the knowledge and let this be a warning to prevent further tragedy.
