Valley firefighters urge caution after charging e-bike leads to house fire

An Annapolis Valley fire department is emphasizing the importance of leaving firefighting to the professionals after a recent incident in White Rock, N.S. In this incident, an electric bike caught fire in a basement, leading to two individuals suffering from smoke inhalation while attempting to remove the bike and control the fire themselves.

Greenwich Fire Department Chief Jason Ripley issued a statement urging the public to prioritize safety during a fire emergency. He emphasized the importance of getting out of the building immediately, calling 911, and staying out until professional firefighters arrive on the scene.

The incident took place on Deep Hollow Road near New Minas around 5 p.m. on a Sunday. The fire department reported that an unattended e-bike was charging in the basement when the battery exploded, prompting one of the occupants to rush downstairs to remove the bike from the building.

Due to poor cellphone reception in the area, the occupants faced difficulties in calling for help promptly. By the time fire crews arrived, the fire had mostly been extinguished, but a man and woman had to be hospitalized due to smoke inhalation from their firefighting attempts.

While the homeowners’ actions may have prevented further damage, the fire department advises against attempting to remove burning items from a home during a fire. It is crucial for individuals to prioritize their safety and rely on professional firefighters to handle the situation.

The department also highlighted the importance of safely charging devices like electric bikes and scooters with lithium-ion batteries. They recommend being present while these devices are plugged in, charging them outside the home, and keeping them away from combustible materials to prevent fire incidents.

Although the fire damage was contained to the basement, the rest of the home sustained smoke damage. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the need to leave firefighting to trained professionals.

In other news, the community is urged to stay informed about the latest developments and safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.