E-Bike Explodes, Sets Fire To Summit Home's Porch

SUMMIT, NJ — An e-bike reportedly exploded before setting fire to the front porch of a Broad Street home in Summit on Monday night.

Just after 6:30 p.m., residents across the street called 911 and reported seeing an explosion on the porch, followed by flames and smoke that looked to be spreading into the home, said Summit officials.

Firefighters found the e-bike on the porch of a two-family home and worked to extinguish the fire.

The fire was declared under control just after 7 p.m.

According to the fire department, the blaze caused minor damage to the porch, but no other areas of the home were damaged.

Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad evaluated two residents from the home for injuries, and both refused additional medical attention.

Union County Hazmat was called to properly dispose of the e-bike and its battery.

"Thankfully, our crews arrived in time to get the fire under control before it could spread to the rest of the home," said Summit Fire Chief Brian Harnois. "With Fire Prevention Month about to wrap up, this incident is a timely reminder of the importance of practicing safe charging, storing, and handling habits for devices with lithium-ion batteries."

Harnois also said residents should use manufacturer-approved chargers and batteries and dispose of devices properly at the end of their life.

"We urge residents to always use manufacturer-approved chargers and batteries and to properly dispose of these devices at the end of their life. These simple precautions can go a long way toward reducing the risk of a battery fire and potentially preventing a tragedy," Harnois said.

The fire department encouraged residents to review fire safety tips for lithium-ion batteries and to use the electronics recycling shelf on the upper level of the Transfer Station to dispose of batteries that are no longer in use.

Mutual aid at the scene came from the Millburn and Springfield fire departments, Union County Hazmat, the Summit Police Department and the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad.

The fire department also recalled off-duty members to cover other emergency calls during the incident, and crews responded to two simultaneous calls. Union and New Providence fire departments provided station coverage for Summit through Union County Mutual Aid.