Apartment Building, Residential

Portland, OR – Sprinkler system activated for lithium-ion battery fire at apartment complex; No injuries reported

A scooter caused an early morning fire in an apartment complex in Northwest Portland on Monday.

Fire crews were dispatched to the scene around 8:00 a.m. on the report of an explosion and an internal fire protection sprinkler was activated.

When Portland Fire and Rescue arrived, they said light smoke was coming from a window on the backside of the structure. After crews surveyed this inside of the complex, they discovered an electric scooter stored in a primary egress route that had caught fire.

Crews quickly put out the fire with a handheld water extinguisher. Officials say there were no injuries reported and no one was displaced.

The scooter used a lithium-ion battery that entered a state fire official label as a “Thermal Runaway.”

A thermal runaway is a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state. Fire officials say it can result in extremely high temperatures, violent cell venting, smoke, and fire.

PF&R says a similar fire incident happened about three and a half months ago, and it can be prevented. Portland Fire & Rescue officials remind people that lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy and can pose a threat if not treated properly.

These batteries are found in electric bikes and scooters, cars, laptops, tablets, phones, and common household devices. According to officials, some of these batteries can be defective and can overheat, catch fire, or explode.

If using any devices powered by lithium-ion batteries:

  • Be sure any equipment has the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) mark.
  • Follow manufacturers’ instructions for charging and storage.
  • Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.
  • Keep batteries/devices stored at room temperature. Do not place it in direct sunlight.
  • Store batteries away from anything flammable.
  • Do not charge or store battery-operated devices or scooters in stairways/stairwells, exit pathways, or in front of exit doors. We recommend actively charging this equipment only while you are home.
  • If a battery overheats or you notice an odor, change in shape/color, cracks, leaking, or odd noises coming from a device, discontinue use immediately. If safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.
  • Inspect all lithium-ion battery-powered equipment and chargers for frayed or cracked cords and replace if necessary.