Electric bike battery causes Fargo apartment fire – InForum

FARGO — A faulty lithium battery on an electric bike caused a fire at an apartment on Fargo’s south side Tuesday, Sept. 17.
Firefighters responded to a water alarm call just after 2 p.m. at the apartment building at 1781 35th St. S., according to a news release from the Fargo Fire Department.
Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke rising from the building, but the apartment fire was extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system, which prevented “serious damage,” the release reads.

Investigators found that the fire was caused by a faulty lithium battery on the electric bike, which was charging at the time of the incident.

“While the specific cause of battery failure is unknown, incidents involving faulty lithium batteries and chargers are becoming an increasingly common cause of fires,” the release reads.

Just a few weeks ago, the fire department responded to another lithium battery fire in Fargo that caused about $10,000 in damage.

According to the release, lithium-ion battery-powered devices can be safely used by following these guidelines:

1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and only use the charging equipment provided with the battery. Keep batteries away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, emergency exits, and flammable materials. Larger batteries should never be charged at night or in a sleeping area.
2. Battery owners should be alert for signs of damage to the device, including swelling or punctures, hissing or cracking noises, and excessive heat or odors. If any of these symptoms occur, the battery should not be used.
3. Damaged or old batteries should be returned to your local battery recycling point. Never place them in regular waste bins.
4. In the event of a fire, readers should exit the building, close the doors, and call 911.
5. Tell your friends and family how to use battery-powered devices safely.

“When purchasing lithium-ion battery-powered devices, look for products that are listed or have been safety certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to ensure they meet important safety requirements,” the release reads.

Readers interested in additional information on battery safety should visit batteryfiresafety.org.

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