Orange County Firefighters Report Increase In E-Bike Fires

KCAL News, CBS Los Angeles

July 27, 2023

Firefighters in Orange County said they are seeing more fires started by lithium-ion batteries power everything from scooters to bikes.

The announcement comes after a Ladera Ranch family was kicked out of their home after an early morning fire engulfed their garage in flames. Firefighters said an "E-mobility device," which a neighbor described as an electronic toy, was in the vicinity of the fire's ignition point. While the residents are safe, their home has been red-tagged.

Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Nick Freeman handled a recent call involving an E-bike whose battery randomly exploded during a ride on an Irvine trail.

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