PALM COAST, Fla. – A Palm Coast family is warning others about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries after their home was destroyed in a fire they believe was sparked by a battery-powered pool cleaning device.
Brian Bohan, who lived there with his family, said the fire broke out early Friday morning.
“My wife woke us up. I guess she heard something, like a crackling noise,” Bohan said. “Within minutes, the house was totally engulfed in flames.”
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Photos from the Palm Coast Fire Department show the massive blaze. Bohan said his daughter barely escaped after trying to save the family’s pets.
“She was actually about ready to give up,” Bohan recalled. “My older son was yelling at the door for her, and she heard his voice and was able to make it out using the flashlight on his phone.”
Surveillance video captured smoke pouring from the home. The family lost three dogs and two cats in the fire.
“We’re lucky to be alive,” Bohan said.
After the fire, Bohan reviewed his security footage and saw an explosion near the pool, which he believes was caused by a robotic pool cleaner with a lithium-ion battery.
“When it blew up where it was, I immediately knew exactly what it was,” he said. “You hear about hoverboards catching fire when charging, but you think after years, technology has advanced.”
While the official cause of the fire remains under investigation, Bohan urged others to be cautious with lithium-ion batteries.
“If I had anything charging like that, I would not have it charging overnight or when I’m not home,” he said.
Bohan and two of his children were treated for smoke inhalation. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family recover.
