Fire Sparked By Electric Bike Charging In Aberdeen Home

ABERDEEN, MD — Investigators are blaming an actively charging electric bike for sparking a house fire in Aberdeen.

The fire broke out around 11:47 a.m. Tuesday in the living room of a two-story single-family home located in the 400 block of Baltimore Street in Aberdeen.

The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal reported that a resident was charging an e-bike using a new aftermarket charger. Within minutes of starting to charge the e-bike, she heard popping sounds and found the e-bike on fire. She tried to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, but that didn't work, so she fled the home and called 911.

Another neighbor attempted to snuff out the fire with an extinguisher, but that didn't work either, the state fire marshal's office reported.

More than two dozen firefighters from the Aberdeen Fire Department responded to help battle the blaze. It took 10 minutes to gain control of the fire.

An adult and four children have been displaced from the home because of the fire, and loss has been estimated at $50,000.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal offers the following tips when actively charging an e-bike:

• Use only manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers.
• Never charge batteries while sleeping or unattended. Charge on a hard, flat surface away from anything that can burn.
• Keep charging devices away from doors, hallways, and exits.
• Stop using the battery if it becomes damaged, swollen, overheats, smokes, or emits an unusual odor.
• Purchase batteries and replacement parts from reputable sources and look for certified products.
• Store batteries away from extreme heat, direct sunlight, and combustible materials.
• If a battery catches fire, evacuate immediately, close doors behind you, and call 911.

"Lithium-ion batteries power many e-bikes and e-scooters. Proper charging, storage and maintenance can help prevent fires and keep your family safe," the state fire marshal's office said.