E-Bike Battery Pack Fire in Toms River Prompts Fire Department and Hazmat Team Response
Toms River Fire Prevention Bureau Reports E-Bike Battery Pack Fire Requiring Fire Department and Hazmat Team Response
In a recent incident reported by the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention, on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024, at approximately 11:37 a.m., units from Ocean Beach Fire Company No. 3 swiftly responded to Las Vegas Rd in the Monterey Beach section of Toms River for a reported fire involving an electric bike. Upon arrival, the first responders confirmed a fire outbreak involving the battery pack of an electric bike outside a residential property. The homeowner had managed to partially extinguish the fire prior to the fire department’s arrival, leading to a relatively controlled situation. The Berkeley Township Hazmat Team was called in to properly handle the damaged battery, as documented by Inspector Carlin.
Subsequent to the initial containment efforts, the homeowner proceeded to place the damaged battery in a container within his vehicle for disposal. However, Inspector Carlin, still present at the scene, observed the container catching fire within the vehicle, necessitating a second response from both the Ocean Beach Fire Company and the Berkeley Hazmat Team to reevaluate and repack the battery. The entire operation spanned several hours, underscoring the complexity and severity of the situation.
The investigation revealed that the battery in question was the original one for the electric bike, had not been recently used, and was exclusively charged using the manufacturer’s charger. Furthermore, the device had been stored outside in direct sunlight at the time of the fire incident. Such incidents involving Lithium-Ion Batteries are inherently perilous, posing significant risks to life and safety.
In light of this event, the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention emphasizes the critical importance of adhering to safe practices when handling Lithium-Ion batteries, whether at home or in a commercial setting. For further information and guidelines on battery fire safety, individuals are encouraged to visit www.batteryfiresafety.org.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with Lithium-Ion batteries and the imperative need for stringent safety measures in their usage and storage. The collaborative response from the fire department and the Hazmat Team highlights the coordinated efforts required to address and mitigate such hazardous situations effectively.
