Damage adds up to $550,000 after a fire in Northern Bruce Peninsula.
Fire Chief Jack Burt said firefighters were called to Bayfield Street in Lion's Head about 3 p.m. Tuesday.
"The crews made an initial entry and had a knockdown in a kitchen area. But the fire had grown exponentially at that point, and we went out and went defensive operations," he said. "We requested assistance from Tobermory fire station and the inter township for air light truck which filled air cylinders."
Burt said the resident was outside when they heard their smoke alarm.
"This fire highlights the importance of working smoke alarms in the home. Even though the occupant was outside heard the smoke alarm, and was able to call 911, very rapidly, which allowed us to get there very quickly," added Burt. "If this fire had been in the middle of the night, that could have been a different story. if those smoke alarms didn't work, so please check your smoke alarms when you get home tonight, make sure that they work because it could be the only thing that prevents a tragedy in your home."
The four occupants and two dogs got out of the home safely.
Firefighters remained on scene until just before noon Wednesday, when the fire was finally completely out.
Burt said the blaze was likely caused by a lithium ion battery failure.
"It's a warning to everybody that lithium ion batteries can be a danger in your home," Burt cautioned. "Most homes have 30 to 40 lithium ion battery operated devices within their home. When they're overcharged and when they're damaged, they can go into thermal runaway, which causes a fire to grow exponentially with heavy, toxic smoke, and they can spread rapidly."
Lithium ion batteries are in various rechargeable items from laptops to shavers.