Hoverboard Fire Forces Arlington Heights Residents From Home

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — An electric hoverboard ignited inside an Arlington Heights home Thursday afternoon, causing a fire that sent smoke through the residence and prompted a working fire response, according to the Arlington Heights Fire Department.

Firefighters were called at 3:11 p.m. Thursday, to the 2300 block of Michael Manor Lane after a caller reported that a hoverboard had caught fire inside the home.

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Fire crews arrived at 3:17 p.m. and initially reported no visible signs of fire from outside the residence, officials said. At the time, firefighters did not know whether anyone was still inside.

Crews entered the home, encountered heavy smoke and found flames on the second floor, according to the fire department. The response was upgraded to a Code 4 for a working fire.

All occupants were later confirmed to have safely evacuated and were accounted for, officials said. Firefighters also conducted a search of the home to verify no one remained inside.

Firefighters deployed a hose line to the second floor and quickly extinguished the fire, containing it to the immediate area around the hoverboard, according to the department. Fire damage to the residence was minimal.

The fire was declared out at 3:24 p.m. Crews remained on scene to complete overhaul and make sure the fire had not extended into the structure.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The fire response came as Arlington Heights fire crews had been dispatched about one minute earlier to Interstate 90 for a reported crash with injuries, officials said. For that reason, several mutual aid companies were assigned to the fire to replace units already committed to the crash.

Once the I-90 incident was determined to be minor, unnecessary responding units were redirected to the fire scene, according to the department.

The Arlington Heights Fire Department was assisted at the scene by firefighters from Palatine, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights and Buffalo Grove. Fire companies from Schaumburg, Wheeling, Des Plaines and Glenview provided station coverage during the incident.

Fire officials said the home had smoke alarms, but initial crews reported the alarms had not activated. The occupants were alert and able to escape safely.

The Arlington Heights Fire Department reminded residents that smoke alarms more than 10 years old, or alarms that do not work, should be replaced. The department offers free smoke alarm replacements for Arlington Heights residents. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 847-368-5450 or visiting vah.com/smokealarm.

Fire officials also reminded residents that lithium-ion batteries can pose a fire risk if they overheat, are damaged or become worn after prolonged use. Products containing lithium-ion batteries should be properly maintained, inspected for damage and charged only with the manufacturer’s provided or recommended power source.

Warning signs of battery problems may include a sweet odor, hissing or popping sounds, sparks, or damaged or loose cords and wires, officials said.