DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A fire at a house in Daytona Beach forced two people from their homes Sunday night, and crews believe a lithium-ion battery helped spark the blaze.
The Daytona Beach Fire Department says crews arrived at 408 Evergreen Court to find heavy fire and smoke. Residents had already left the home before firefighters arrived. No one was hurt.
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The agency says the fire’s cause is believed to be a three-wheeled mobility-assisted bicycle that was powered by a lithium-ion battery, though they did not say exactly how the device led to the fire.
It took at least three hours to knock the fire down, and the agency sent three fire engine trucks and a quint truck to fight it.
Lithium-ion battery fires are becoming more prevalent as more devices use the long-lasting batteries. Fire officials say the drawback is when the batteries overheat and catch fire, the fire burns more intensely and for a longer time.
After a News 6 investigation, the Florida Legislature passed a law this year allowing the state to draw up rules for the proper storage of lithium-ion batteries.
According to a draft of the proposed rules, businesses and residents who charge electric bikes and scooters would be directed to:
- Follow manufacturers’ guidelines
- Designate a specific outlet for charging
- Avoid using extension cords
- Clear debris within 10 feet of the charging station
- Do not put charging space near an exit
A division chief with Volusia County Fire and Rescue shared these tips with News 6 earlier this month as well:
- Unplug the batteries once they are fully charged
- If you are buying a replacement battery or charging cord, buy from the product’s manufacturer
- Do not use water or common ABC fire extinguishers to try to put out a battery fire. Call 911 immediately
If you want to learn more about lithium-ion batteries, the National Fire Protection Association website has more tips and videos.
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