Electric Skateboard Fire Causes $80K In Damages

EVERETT, WA - Fire officials in Everett on Wednesday said a morning apartment fire on Wetmore Avenue was likely caused by a recharging electric skateboard, though an official cause is still pending a full investigation. One person was hospitalized for smoke inhalation, but officials expect he'll make a full recovery.

Everett firefighters were dispatched to the 3500-block of Wetmore Avenue just before 9 a.m. March 6. When fire crews arrived at the apartment, they found part of a bedroom burning.

The apartment resident told fire investigators he awoke to a loud sound in his room before quickly spotting fire coming from the corner where his electric skateboard had been recharging.

The resident said he tried unsuccessfully to snuff the fire with an extinguisher before fleeing outside, closing the bedroom door behind him as he went.

Closing the door, fire officials later said, likely prevented the fire from expanding beyond the bedroom and into the whole of the apartment. Because the fire was contained, firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze while it was still relatively small. Nevertheless, investigators estimate damage costs around $80,000.

The fire has been ruled accidental.

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