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topicnews · August 29, 2024

Children’s book sets child seat in North Carolina family’s minivan on fire

Children’s book sets child seat in North Carolina family’s minivan on fire

No injuries were reported in the incident because the child had already gotten out of the car before the seat caught fire. Firefighters believe the fire was caused by a “button battery.”

Firefighters in North Carolina are warning parents after a children’s book containing a battery caused a minivan fire in the state.

George Hildebran Fire and Rescue Department said Sunday that a child’s car seat caught fire in Burke County, about 70 miles northwest of Charlotte, shortly after the child got out of the car.

After firefighters extinguished the flames, the fire marshal’s office determined the fire was started by a “button battery” in a children’s book left under the seat, according to a Facebook post from the fire marshal’s office.

Pictures of the fire damage showed that most of the seat bottom was burned, the car seat upholstery was burned, and some of the plastic was melted. Although the department shared a cover photo of a Cocomelon book titled “JJ’s Potty Time” making noise, it is unclear which book caused the fire.

Girl’s parents speak of “crazy” fire

Destiny Williams told WSOC-TV that she and her family had just returned from church on Sunday and had been in the house for about 20 minutes when the fire started. Her daughter, Misty, had been sitting in the car seat during the trip.

“It’s crazy, but thank God he’s protecting her,” Williams said.

Misty’s father, Pressley Williams, agreed.

“When the fire marshal came and confirmed that it was a lithium battery from a children’s book, I was honestly shocked and surprised,” said Pressley Williams.

He said the book that started the fire had no warning label and they had contacted the company to pay for the damages, to no avail. They said they hope other families will learn from their experience.

How can I prevent battery fires?

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, storing lithium-ion batteries in direct sunlight or in hot cars can be dangerous and they should ideally be stored at room temperature.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

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