A battery on an e-scooter caught fire Monday morning forcing the evacuation of an apartment complex in Portland.
The apartments are located in the Northwest District Neighborhood. Callers to 911 reported an explosion and the sprinklers turned on.
The scooter was quickly extinguished with a handheld water extinguisher by crews and then removed from the structure before any fire extension occurred into the building. There were no injuries reported and no one will be displaced.
It is well known that lithium-ion batteries can enter a state labeled as “Thermal Runaway”. As noted by UL Research Institutes, one of the primary risks related to lithium-ion batteries is thermal runaway. Thermal runaway is a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state. Thermal runaway can result in extremely high temperatures, violent cell venting, smoke, and fire. Good information regarding this phenomenon can be found here: What Causes Thermal Runaway? | UL Research Institutes. PF&R responded to a similar incident just 3 ½ months ago with a scooter battery going into thermal runaway and causing smoke and water damage to the building. These incidents can be avoided by following the guidelines below.
Portland Fire & Rescue would like remind Portlanders that lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy and can pose a threat if not treated properly. These batteries are found in electric bikes and scooters, cars, laptops, tablets, phones, and common household devices. Like any product, a small number of these batteries can be defective and can overheat, catch fire, or explode. Lithium-ion battery fires have caused deaths, injuries, and serious fires nationwide. These fires burn hot and fast and can emit large amounts of toxic smoke.
If using any devices powered by lithium-ion batteries:
- Be sure any equipment has the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) mark.
- Follow manufacturers’ instructions for charging and storage.
- Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.
- Keep batteries/devices stored at room temperature. Do not place in direct sunlight.
- Store batteries away from anything flammable.
- Do not charge or store battery operated devices or scooters in stairways/stairwells, in exit pathways, or in front of exit doors. We recommend actively charging this equipment only while you are home.
- If a battery overheats or you notice an odor, change in shape/color, cracks, leaking, or odd noises coming from a device, discontinue use immediately. If safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.
- Inspect all lithium-ion battery-powered equipment and chargers for frayed or cracked cords and replace if necessary.
For safe battery disposal/recycling information, please see this link from the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability: www.portland.gov/bps/garbage-recycling/battery-recycling
Source: Portland Fire Bureau