Drone video shot by the Orange County Fire Authority shows firefighters battling a garage fire on a two-story home in Irvine on Monday, Jan. 2. The fire, according to OCFA, is believed to have started due to an electrical failure of lithium ion batteries.

The fire is believed to have started in the garage, but quickly made its way up to the home’s attic before firefighters could fully extinguish the blaze, which took nearly 40 minutes to contain.

OCFA responded to an emergency call on the 4000 block of Homestead Street in Irvine at approximately 12:30 a.m. The 9-1-1 call was made by the neighbor of the home. It was unknown if anyone was inside the residence when the fire started.

“With reports of someone possibly in the home, FF’s quickly searched & determined nobody was inside. Knockdown in 38 min. Most probable cause determined to be electrical failure of lithium-ion batteries. No injuries,” OCFA tweeted.

As the use of lithium-ion batteries proliferates in electronics and electric vehicles, OCFA recommends the purchase of batteries listed by the Nationally Recognized Testing Lab (NRTL), and for people to understand the dangers that can be associated with lithium-ion technology.

The Orange County Fire Authority also advises residents to avoid trying to extinguish fires caused by lithium-ion technology, as the batteries can emit toxic gasses, cause explosions and have the ability to reignite up to 21 days later.

Warning signs that a lithium-ion battery might be failing include unusual odors, color change, smoking or sparking, and leaking.

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