The type 6 engine had returned from a local initial attack at 2400 on March 10 and parked the engine in the bay. The master switch was turned off. At 0830 (March 10) the crew opened the door to the cab to begin the daily engine readiness checks when they realized the interior of the cab had been burned. A fire investigator from the local Fire Department was requested and conducted an investigation. The cause was determined to be a Nebo Tools Highbeam rechargeable car lighter flashlight that had been plugged into the factory dashboard 12v socket. The flashlight had exploded into several pieces, with one landing on the driver's seat. The heat from the piece caused the seat cover to ignite and burn. The damage was confined to the cab of the engine - the driver's seat, center console, visor, headliner, plastic trim around driver's side door, and heavy smoke damage. A paper map in the driver's door did not burn.
Fortunately, the windows were rolled up at the time which prevented more oxygen from entering the cab and causing more damage
the safety issue is everyone uses vehicle chargers and there is the potential for a faulty lithium-ion battery to explode |
