Hidden danger in popular children’s toy incinerates car seat

GEORGE HILDEBRAN, NC (Youdle) - A terrifying incident is sparking warnings for parents who’ve purchased Cocomelon toys for their children.

The child’s car seat melted into a smoldering mess moments after the child had exited the vehicle. The source of the fire? A small, seemingly innocent button battery inside a children's book, left under the car seat.

According to the George Hildebran Fire & Rescue Department’s Facebook page, once the fire was extinguished, the Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause. A button battery had overheated, triggering the fire that melted the car seat. You won’t believe the sight—look at the shocking picture of the melted car seat below.

Why Button Batteries Are Dangerous

Button batteries are small, coin-shaped batteries commonly used in toys, books, remotes, and other household devices. While easy to overlook, they pose a major fire risk, especially in hot environments like cars. When exposed to heat, these batteries can overheat, spark, and even ignite flammable materials around them. In this case, the heat inside the car caused the button battery to spark, leading to a dangerous fire.

Expert Insights

Fire Safety Tip from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): Button batteries, especially lithium ones, are made from highly reactive metals. If exposed to extreme temperatures or if the battery casing is damaged, they can short-circuit, heat up, and catch fire. It's crucial to store these items properly and avoid leaving them in vehicles where temperatures can rise dramatically.

Steps to Protect Your Family

Inspect Your Child's Toys: Check all toys and devices for button batteries. Ensure they are properly secured and not damaged.
Avoid Leaving Battery-Powered Items in the Car: Heat inside vehicles can reach dangerous levels, turning everyday objects into potential fire hazards.
Monitor for Overheating: If a toy or book feels warm to the touch or emits unusual smells, remove the batteries immediately.

View the Aftermath

The after photos of the melted car seat tell the full story of how a simple button battery became a firestarter. It’s a powerful reminder of how quickly everyday objects can become dangerous.

The fire happened shortly after the family left the vehicle. Thankfully, no one was injured and everyone is okay.

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