Fire started by trickle charger

Below is the remains of the 68' Mustang GT350 convertible, left on a trickle charger/battery tender.  I remember there was a discussion, not too long ago, about not leaving the trickle charger on for an extended period of time, because it ruins the battery.  So now,     I only leave it on till the battery is charged, which is only a day or two every month.  Here is another consideration when using a trickle charger.  It should not be near the battery.  The battery gives off poisonous vapors while charging, which can be ignited by the charger.  This is what happened here, as determined by the fire marshal.

Damn, you are not kidding, that battery is ruined! You know, I have never really trusted those chargers and have never used one in my vehicles. If I do have to leave it stored for the winter, I pull the battery and put it in the basement of my house. Keeps it a little warmer and less terminal corrosion. I really hate to see nice old cars destroyed like that.

Scary stuff.

I do the same as Kuch. I pull the battery out of my car and enclosed trailer for the winter and keep both in my workshop. Doesn't really get below 60° in my shop.