An Oak Ridge man and his two dogs were displaced following a fire at their Cedar Lane home early Wednesday morning.
The Oak Ridge Fire Department responded to the house at 2:56 a.m. Wednesday after the homeowner said a lithium battery was on fire in his living room.
Firefighters arrived on scene within three minutes of the call and found smoke and fire in the front of the residence, a press release said. Crews were able to contain the fire within 10 minutes, but there was significant smoke and heat damage throughout the home.
The man and his dogs were able to safely evacuate before the fire department arrived, the press release said. He credited his working smoke alarms for alerting him to the fire and allowing a safe exit.
“The Oak Ridge Fire Department would like to remind everyone of the importance of working smoke alarms,” the press release said. “You can contact the Oak Ridge Fire Department for a free inspection of your smoke alarms at 865-425-FIRE (3473) or visit the Fire Department’s page on the city’s website: OakRidgeTN.gov.”
“We would also like to remind all residents to close doors before you go to sleep,†Oak Ridge Fire Marshal Eric Rackard said. “Closing the door reduces fire growth and spread, limits damage to your home, and could possibly save your life.â€
In this instance, the bedroom door closest to the fire was closed, and there was no damage to the room, the press release said. Meanwhile, another bedroom that had the door open suffered some fire and smoke damage.
Fire investigators determined the fire was caused by lithium batteries that were overcharged.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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