The City of Carlsbad Fire Department responded to reports of a garage fire early Tuesday morning. The extent of damage and cause are still under investigation, but the family suspects it was related to battery charging. If this is confirmed, it would be the second battery-related fire being investigated in Carlsbad in a little more than a week.
The first fire was on Feb. 26 at around 11 a.m. Fire Department crews responded to reports of a single-unit apartment fire at the Villa Loma Apartments in central Carlsbad. When they arrived, it appeared an e-bike battery had caught on fire inside the unit. There were no injuries, and damages are estimated to be $7,000.
The March 7 fire was on Levante Street near La Costa Heights Elementary School. The fire started in the garage and extended into the home. A family of four, including two adults, two children and a dog, have been displaced as a result of the fire. No one was hurt.
Lithium-ion batteries have become a national issue of concern. Fire departments across the country have seen an increase in serious fires caused by charging e-bikes, electric scooters, cell phones, computers, tablets, gaming devices and power tools. When these batteries overheat, they can catch fire and even explode. The fires they spark also release toxic gases.
