St. Petersburg homeowner loses 1930s home to lithium-ion battery fire
Investigators pinpointed a power source as the cause of the blaze that destroyed the rear of the residence and a recently purchased truck.
By Sakura Novak ·
A garage fire in St. Petersburg, Florida, destroyed the rear of a 1930s home after investigators determined a lithium-ion battery was the source of the ignition. The incident occurred on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at approximately 9 a.m.
Rae Zabell was dropping her son off at school when neighbors alerted her to the flames. Cell phone video captured the scene, showing fire consuming the back of the property while smoke billowed into the air. Zabell reported that her cat was inside the house at the time but was successfully rescued by firefighters.
St. Pete Fire Rescue officials stated the fire originated in the corner of the garage. While they confirmed a lithium-ion battery caused the blaze, investigators have not yet identified the specific device or brand responsible. Zabell told reporters she stored several power tool batteries and a remote-controlled car in the garage. She noted that none of the items were plugged in or actively charging at the time of the fire.
"From the front of the house, it looks like nothing's wrong, but the back of the house is completely gone, and it is a 1930s home," Zabell said. She explained that the family had renovated the entire structure themselves, placing significant effort into the project. The fire damaged everything inside the home, leaving persistent smoke odor in the air.
The family also lost a truck they had recently purchased. Zabell described the loss of personal items that are difficult to replace, including vintage clothing, memorabilia, and Christmas decorations saved from her family for years. A GoFundMe page has been created to help the family rebuild and cover expenses not addressed by insurance.
St. Pete Fire Rescue used social media to share safety guidelines for homeowners regarding lithium-ion batteries. Firefighters recommend using only the manufacturer-recommended charger and placing devices on hard, flat surfaces away from flammable materials like beds or couches. They also advise keeping batteries out of direct sunlight and extreme heat. Households should discard these batteries through specialized recycling programs rather than standard trash bins.
