FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — 8 people are without a home after a house fire that was caused by a lithium-ion battery on Thursday.
Fresno Firefighters responded to a house fire in the 3500 block of Palm Avenue after receiving multiple reports.
Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear of a single-story home, with the fire threatening a neighboring residence.
The occupant who was home at the time was able to escape safely, and the occupants of the neighboring home also evacuated as a precaution.
Firefighters prevented the flames from extending to the neighboring home, but the house where the fire started sustained significant damage.
Eight people are without a home, but no one was injured.
Investigators determined the fire was caused by the lithium-ion battery of an electric scooter that was charging at the time.
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Because of the hazards associated with damaged lithium-ion batteries, the Fresno Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Response Team was requested to provide technical assistance, mitigate remaining battery hazards, and assist with decontamination of firefighters and their protective equipment.
The Fresno Fire Department warned that lithium-ion batteries can pose a serious fire hazard if they are damaged, improperly charged, or used with incompatible equipment.
The department advised residents to use manufacturer-approved batteries and charging devices, follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions, and avoid leaving batteries charging longer than necessary.