Dade City House Fire Sparked By Lithium-Ion Batteries: Officials

DADE CITY, FL — Pasco County Fire Rescue crews quickly knocked down an early‑morning house fire in Dade City Wednesday, officials said.

According to Pasco County Fire Rescue, at around 3 a.m. on Jan. 7, Station 32 crews arrived to find heavy fire coming from a garage on Colwell Court. "PCFR brought the fire under control fast, and thankfully no injuries were reported," officials said.

Keeping the garage door to the home closed helped prevent further damage, fire officials said.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by lithium‑ion batteries that malfunctioned and ignited nearby materials, officials said.

Officials issued a lithium‑ion battery safety reminder:

"These batteries power many everyday devices, and while generally safe, they can pose risks when damaged or overheated," officials said.

A few simple habits help reduce danger:

- Use only the charger and battery made for your device
- Follow manufacturer instructions
- Unplug once fully charged
- Charge in a cool, open area
- Keep batteries away from heat and flammable items
- Replace batteries that are swollen, damaged, or unusually hot

"Staying aware helps protect you, your home, and our community," fire officials said.