LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. — Officials say a man has died days after a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery pack started a house fire in Loudoun County.
According to a release from Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, the fire was reported by a passerby who saw smoke just before 4 a.m. at a home on Thrush Road in Sterling.
When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke coming from the home and requested more firefighters to come help. While crews worked to extinguish the fire, a search led firefighters to find an unconscious adult, as well as several unresponsive pets.
The victim, later identified as 47-year-old Jason Urchasko, was taken to Lansdowne Hospital. Urchasko died from his injuries two days later.
Loudoun County Animal Services responded to help with the two dogs and one cat that did not survive.
The Fire Marshal's Office estimates the property loss at around $351,000 for both the structure and the contents.
The home did not appear to have working smoke alarms.
"Two important safety messages should be taken away from this tragedy, said Fire Chief Keith Johnson. “Have working smoke alarms and use caution with these lithium batteries that are being used in more and more household products.”
Officials have released the following safety tips regarding lithium batteries:
- ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
- Use the correct battery, cord and power adapter and ensure cords and wires are not damaged or worn.
- Monitor batteries while charging and do not overcharge the device or device battery.
- Keep batteries and devices at room temperature.
- Charge and store batteries away from anything flammable. Never charge a battery or device under your pillow, on your bed, or near a couch.
- Ensure you properly dispose of used batteries. Loudoun County Waste Management offers tips and instructions for the proper disposal of lithium batteries.
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