An electric-bike battery caught fire early Friday morning in an east Austin apartment, prompting a swift response from the Austin Fire Department.
The Incident
The Austin Fire Department (AFD) answered a call about a blaze at the Chalmers Court apartments on the 1700 block of E. Third Street. After a brief investigation, the department concluded the fire began while an electric bike was being charged inside the unit. The fire was extinguished later that morning, but it left two apartments damaged.
Resident’s Account
Dorothy Kinchion, a resident of the building, saw the lights flicker from her balcony and reported the incident. “I came out on the balcony because I seen the lights. I seen the lights in my window,” she told reporters. She expressed concern about other e-bikes in nearby units. “I would like for something to happen. Just a just a precaution,” she added.
Battery Technology Explained
E-bikes rely on lithium-ion batteries, which are also used in scooters, laptops, and electric cars. Professor Ofodike Ezekoye of the University of Texas at Austin explained the risks. “This is an incredibly important technology in terms of, you know, the energy transition, the ability to use renewables, etc..,” Ezekoye said. He described how a chemical reaction can become uncontrolled, producing heat in a process called thermal runaway. He noted that e-bikes typically contain about forty lithium-ion cells. If a battery fails, it can release an amount of energy comparable to a cup and a half of gasoline.
Firefighting Challenges
Bobby Ortiz from Travis County Emergency Services told KXAN that fighting these fires is complex. “You can’t just spray them with water, instead you have to cool them down and slow the chemical reaction. Since the cells are held within a larger packaging, this can be challenging,” Ortiz said. He warned that if a lithium-ion battery starts to smoke or emit a smell, residents should call 9-1-1 and avoid moving the battery or attempting to extinguish it themselves.
Damage and Aftermath
While the blaze was contained, AFD reported damage to two units. One apartment suffered both fire and water damage from the suppression effort, while the other sustained only water damage due to sprinkler activation. The incident occurred on the 1700 block of E. Third Street in east Austin.
Key Takeaways
- An electric-bike battery caused a fire at Chalmers Court apartments, leading to two damaged units.
- Residents reported seeing the lights and expressed concern over other e-bikes.
- Lithium-ion batteries can experience thermal runaway, releasing energy similar to gasoline.
- Firefighters must use cooling techniques rather than water alone to combat these fires.
The event highlights the growing need for awareness around lithium-ion battery safety in residential settings, especially as e-bike use becomes more common.
