Hoverboard Malfunction Sparked 2-Alarm Andover Fire

ANDOVER, MA — A hoverboard malfunction caused a two-alarm fire in Andover Thursday, fire officials said. The hoverboard was left charging on the first floor of the two-family home, according to Andover Fire Chief Michael Mansfield and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey.

Hoverboard fires became a national problem in 2016 after many were received as holiday gifts in 2015. They are powered by lithium-ion batteries and must now be compliant with national safety standards.

"Use only chargers supplied with the hoverboard," Mansfield said in a statement. "Only charge a hoverboard when you are there to watch it and do not charge unattended, especially overnight. Overcharging can cause a fire."

Five residents of the home are temporarily displaced by the fire, which caused an estimated $325,000 in damages.

"It is important to purchase a hoverboard that has been approved by an independent testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory," Ostroskey said. "When purchasing online, be on the lookout for fraudulent claims."

For more information on hoverboard safety or how to check if the UL listing is legitimate, go to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s webpage.

Previously: Andover Fire Puts Out Two Alarm Fire In Multi-Family Home