An e-bike battery that exploded is being blamed for an apartment fire in the city of Ithaca Monday morning.
When firefighters arrived on Cherry Street at around 6:40, they found heavy smoke coming from the fourth floor of the five-story building. They determined a battery was burning in the apartment, which ignited other materials. The three people who were inside the apartment were able to escape safely. The building sustained moderate smoke and water damage. The sprinkler system activated and prevented the fire from growing larger.
The Red Cross was called to help those residents who were displaced and no injuries were reported.
The Ithaca Fire Department Fire wants to remind the public that charging large batteries inside carries risk. They advise residents to try to purchase batteries from companies that they recognize and those that carry UL or ETL certifications. Battery fires are fast and violent. Never charge large batteries in stairwells, hallways, or doorways that are in your exit path.
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