An exploding electric bike battery was behind the fire last week at an Auburn inn.
According to the Auburn Fire Department, the fire happened just before 6:00p on August 15 at the Cayuga Inn at the Finger Lakes (formerly the Days Inn) at 37 William St.
Crews quickly made their way to the second-floor room where there were multiple fires were found. After extinguishing the fires, investigators determined an e-bike battery exploded, causing individual cells to scatter around the room.
Damage was largely contained to the room with minor water damage on the first floor room below. There were no injuries reported and the business was able to stay open.
Crews were assisted at the scene by the Auburn Police Department and Auburn City Ambulance.
E-bike batteries should not be stored or charged near exit doors or anything flammable. Once charging is complete the battery should be unplugged from the charger.
If an e-bike or e-scooter catches fire, the fire department adds you should not try to put it out. Instead, leave the building immediately and call 911 as lithium-ion battery fires can be extremely hot and spread quickly.
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