Fire investigators determined a Park Ridge house fire that caused $150,000 in damage was caused by the explosion of a lithium-ion battery in an e-bike while it was being charged, the Park Ridge Fire Department said in a news release.
The department emphasized that lithium-ion batteries can overheat, explode or catch fire.
“It is critically important to purchase devices that have been tested by a qualified testing laboratory and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions,” department officials said. “While charging these batteries, if you notice any different odor, color change, leaking or strange noises coming from the battery or device, stop charging or using the device immediately and move it away from anything flammable if possible. You can always call 911.”
The department said firefighters responded at 7:02 p.m.Thursday, Feb 1 to a
single-family home in the 0-100 block of Home Street for smoke in the building, and the residents gathered outside told them they suspected a battery explosion in the
basement.
Park Ridge Fire Department crews entered, encountered dark black smoke coming from the basement and upgraded the response to a confirmed fire, which brought additional fire companies from neighboring fire departments, according to the department. They extinguished the fire before it could spread from the basement.
PRFD was assisted on scene by fire companies from the Des Plaines, Niles, and North Maine Fire Departments and the Rosemont Public Safety Department.
Additionally, the Park Ridge fire stations were staffed by mutual aid crews from the Elk Grove, Schiller Park and Wheeling Fire Departments and the Rosemont Public Safety Department.
PRFD fire investigators were assisted by other members of the MABAS Division Three Fire Investigation Team and determined the fire originated in the basement, tracing the cause to the lithium ion e-bike battery that exploded while being charged.
