E-bike battery starts fire in Salt Lake apartment, no serious injuries
Feb 26, 2025, 6:50 PM | Updated: Feb 27, 2025, 12:20 pm
FILE: Image of a Salt Lake City Fire Department fire truck. (Laura Seitz/Deseret News)
(Laura Seitz/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Four people were treated for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out on Wednesday in a Salt Lake City high rise.
Salt Lake City Fire Department Capt. Brandt Hancuff said his agency received multiple calls about smoke at an apartment building at 245 S. State Street in Salt Lake City.
When firefighters got to the scene, they reported heavy smoke in the building’s stairwell.
Hancuff said they were able to quickly extinguish the fire.
The cause of the fire is linked to an e-bike battery which spontaneously ignited, Hancuff said.
Related: E-bike catches fire after being left in the sun in West Valley
Four residents who inhaled smoke during the evacuation process were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.
E-bike battery fires aren’t uncommon
Hancuff said they don’t see these kinds of fires all the time, but they’re not uncommon either.
He said they can be very dangerous because when a lithium-ion battery goes up in flames, it produces a lot of heat and can be difficult to put out.
“As soon as they ignite, it just releases heat and rapid fire growth that’s very dangerous for everyone involved.”
Hancuff said these fires typically break out when people aren’t properly charging them, overcharging them or using a knock-off charger. He expects to see more of these fires in the future.
Why e-bike batteries catch fire
Most e-bikes are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can smoke, catch fire or explode if they become damaged. Modifying a lithium-ion battery, or purchasing a counterfeit, can also lead to safety problems.
Since 2022, there have been at least five fires in Utah started by a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery. In two instances, the batteries powered e-bikes. The others involved hoverboards, e-scooters, and e-skateboards.
Overcharging a lithium-ion battery is possible, and can lead to a malfunction or fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, physical or electrical damage, exposure to extreme temperatures, and product defects can all lead to lithium-ion battery fire.
The NFPA also warned e-bike users that faulty charging equipment, improper charging practices and overloaded electrical circuits can also lead to lithium-ion battery fires.
