Kankakee, IL – A fire, initiated by lithium batteries charging in a garage, inflicted approximately $45,000 in damages to a Kankakee home on Sunday afternoon.
The Kankakee City Fire Department responded to the blaze in the 300 block of North 9th Street around 2 p.m. Firefighters encountered flames in the garage and the home’s front living room upon arrival. An elderly couple was seen exiting the home safely.
According to fire officials, it is believed that the lithium batteries ignited the fire, which subsequently spread to the rest of the house. During the incident, a woman was hospitalized for moderate smoke inhalation. The fire also displaced a man and his dog. The investigation into the exact cause is ongoing, emphasizing the potential hazards of lithium battery storage and charging.
