St. Petersburg Garage Fire Traced to Lithium-Ion Battery

St. Pete Fire Rescue identified a lithium-ion battery as the source of a house fire that destroyed the rear of a 1930s home in St. Petersburg last week. The incident occurred on Tuesday, Oct. 27, around 9 a.m., when flames erupted from the corner of the garage. Investigators have not yet determined which specific battery or device sparked the fire.

Rae Zabell was dropping her son off at school when neighbors called to alert her about the smoke. By the time she returned, cell phone video showed flames ripping through the back of the residence. Zabell noted that the front of the house appeared intact, but the rear was completely gone. Her cat, who was inside, was safely rescued by firefighters.

Zabell said the family had renovated the entire home themselves, investing significant time and care into the property. She reported that several power tool batteries from different brands and a remote-controlled car were stored in the garage. None of the items were plugged in or charging at the time of the fire. Despite the lack of active charging, the fire caused extensive damage to the interior and left a lingering smell of smoke throughout the home.

The family also lost a recently purchased truck in the blaze. Zabell highlighted the loss of personal items collected over the years, including vintage clothing, home decor, and family memorabilia. She stated that these specific items are difficult to replace because of their sentimental value. A GoFundMe page has been created to help the family with rebuilding costs and expenses not covered by their insurance policy.

Following the incident, St. Pete Fire Rescue shared safety tips on Instagram regarding lithium-ion battery storage. Firefighters advise using the charger recommended by the manufacturer and placing devices on a hard, flat surface away from flammable materials like beds or couches. They also recommend keeping batteries away from extreme heat and direct sunlight. Additionally, officials cautioned residents to never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in household trash or regular recycling bins.