Officials say lithium batteries may have sparked house fire in Chilliwack, B.C.

A Chilliwack Fire Department vehicle is seen in this photo from the department's Facebook page.

Fire officials in Chilliwack, B.C., say lithium-ion batteries may be to blame after a fire caused significant damage to a single-family home.

The Chilliwack Fire Department is urging residents to avoid using lithium-ion batteries with incompatible equipment, or if the battery is damaged or has been improperly charged.

The warning comes after firefighters were called to a structure fire in the 46000 block of Balsam Avenue just after 5 p.m. Sunday.

Asst. Fire Chief Krista Minar says initial reports described smoke coming from the lower floor of the two-storey home.

“As further details were provided by bystanders through dispatch, the incident was upgraded to a second alarm response,” Minar said in a statement.

The occupants escaped the home safely after attempting to control the blaze with a fire extinguisher and a garden hose. “Crews initiated aggressive offensive tactics and were able to quickly bring the fire under control,” the statement said.

Two household pets were accounted for following the fire, however a third pet—an outdoor cat—has not been located since.

Officials say the fire was largely contained to one area of the home, which sustained significant damage from flames and smoke, while the remainder of the home sustained only smoke damage.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

“Initial information suggests a possible involvement of lithium-ion batteries. However, the cause has not been confirmed,” the statement said, urging residents to avoid charging batteries unattended overnight or near combustible materials.