One Lithium-Ion Battery Triggered $40,000 Garage Fire in St. Petersburg

St. Pete Fire Rescue determined that a lithium-ion battery ignited a fire in a St. Petersburg home on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 27. The incident resulted in severe damage to the rear of the residence and the loss of a vehicle.

Rae Zabell was dropping her son off at school when neighbors alerted her to the blaze. By the time she arrived, flames were visible through the back of the house. Video recorded by witnesses showed fire engulfing the structure and thick smoke rising into the air. Zabell noted that the front of the property appeared intact, but the rear, which the family had renovated themselves, was destroyed.

The fire began in a corner of the garage. Investigators confirmed a lithium-ion battery caused the ignition but have not yet identified the specific battery or device responsible. Zabell stated that the family stored multiple power tool batteries from different brands and a remote-controlled car in the garage. She confirmed that none of the items were plugged in or charging at the time of the fire.

The family reported that smoke damage affected every room in the home. They also lost a truck that had been purchased recently. Zabell described the loss of personal items, including vintage clothing and family memorabilia, as difficult to replace. A GoFundMe page has been established to help the family cover rebuilding costs and expenses not covered by insurance.

In response to the incident, St. Pete Fire Rescue shared safety guidelines on social media regarding lithium-ion battery storage. Firefighters advise using the charger specified by the manufacturer and placing devices on hard, flat surfaces away from flammable materials like beds or couches. They also recommend keeping batteries away from extreme heat and direct sunlight. Residents should not dispose of these batteries in household trash or standard recycling bins.