A Hollywood homeowner says an early-morning bargain gone wrong nearly turned into a house fire after an electric wheelchair she bought at a thrift store suddenly erupted in flames in her driveway. Alexandra Anaya told reporters she woke just after 6 a.m., heard a clicking noise coming from the wheelchair's battery, felt the device getting hot, moved the chair outside and ran away only seconds before the battery pack exploded. The wheelchair was left charred on the driveway, with a burn mark where the blaze started.
Ring camera captured the blast
A Ring doorbell camera shows Anaya sprinting away moments before the battery pack ignites and the chair bursts into flames, leaving a scorched spot on the pavement, as reported by WSVN. The clip has circulated on local newscasts and online feeds, underscoring how quickly a failing lithium-ion battery can turn into a serious fire.
Fire rescue: off-brand charger cited
Hollywood Fire Rescue told reporters the chair had been charged with a non-manufacturer charger, which can overload or overheat battery packs, and said Anaya followed the recommended step to stop using the device when she heard popping or clicking sounds, according to CBS Miami. The department praised her quick action, saying that moving the chair outside and calling for help likely prevented a dangerous lithium battery fire. Officials also stressed avoiding unattended charging of lithium batteries and checking regularly for excess heat.
How lithium batteries can ignite
Federal safety guidance notes lithium cells contain high energy and, if damaged, improperly charged or paired with the wrong charger, can go into thermal runaway, a rapid failure that can lead to fire or explosion, per the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). PHMSA says once these fires start they can be difficult to extinguish and urges consumers to follow manufacturer and regulatory guidance for handling, shipping and recycling. Damaged or recalled packs present higher risk than newer, certified batteries.
Fire-safety groups urge common-sense steps
The National Fire Protection Association made lithium-ion battery safety the focus of its recent Fire Prevention Week campaign, urging consumers to buy only certified products, use manufacturer-approved chargers and recycle batteries responsibly, per NFPA. Fire departments nationwide have reported a rise in battery-linked incidents involving e-bikes and other micromobility devices, prompting renewed public outreach. Experts say straightforward precautions can greatly reduce the chance of a destructive blaze.
Simple precautions residents can take
Safety agencies recommend using the charger that came with the device, avoiding universal or off-brand chargers, monitoring batteries while they charge and never charging on soft surfaces or while sleeping, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If you buy a used mobility device, guidance suggests charging it the first time outdoors or in an open area and inspecting the battery for bulging, leaks or excessive heat. Damaged batteries should be taken to certified recyclers, not tossed in household trash.
Anaya told reporters she hopes others learn from her scare, saying, "eight seconds was what separated me from me and my face getting torched, or my house being burnt down with my sister in it," and urging buyers of second-hand devices to check batteries and chargers. The episode is a reminder that small warning signs like clicking, heat or swelling deserve immediate attention. For local coverage and the video, see CBS Miami.
