Lithium-ion battery scooter “explosion” causes fire at Crapo Street home in New Bedford

“Yesterday morning at 8:25am, 911 calls were received reporting some type of “explosion” and fire at 23 Crapo Street. This structure is a two-story, wood-frame, two-family dwelling and was protected by working fire alarms.

First arriving crews observed a smoke condition on both floors and located a fire in the basement. The fire was extinguished with one hose line. Fire crews located a 60V electric scooter powered by lithium-ion batteries. The scooter was removed to the exterior. Crews performed ventilation and air monitoring.

Lithium-ion battery mitigation equipment was deployed by the Hazardous Materials Officer and the crew of Ladder 3. The battery assembly was removed from the scooter and placed in a steel container and filled with CellBlockEX. The container was transported to an approved storage site.

The fire was investigated by the NBFD Fire Investigation Unit. NBEMS evaluated several adults and six children on scene but they did not require transport to the hospital. None of the tenants were displaced. NBPD also provided assistance on scene.”-New Bedford Fire Department.

All photos by the New Bedford Fire Department: