Household batteries sparked a fire in St.Catharines

Fire officials in St.Catharines say the cause of a fire this morning was improperly stored batteries.

At 9:45a.m. St. Catharines Fire Services responded to a reported fire in a single family dwelling located at 25 Lockwood Drive.  

The fire was contained to the main floor of the bungalow and quickly extinguished.  

One person had a minor injury and one pet was rescued by firefighters and provided with oxygen before seeing a veterinarian.  

Damage has been set at $40,000

Investigators were called to the scene and were able to determine that the fire was a result of improperly stored household batteries.  

The occupant had stored some 9v batteries loose in a storage closet such that the negative and positive posts were able to come into contact with metal and cause the fire.

9 volt batteries are more susceptible to this than other types as the posts are so close together.

St Catharines Fire Services reminds everyone that even these simple articles found in every home can be a hazard if not stored or handled properly.

For example, loose batteries in a pocket with keys or coins can be short circuited, possibly resulting in venting or explosion.