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Ann Arbor Fire Department: Don’t keep an electric scooter by your only exit

Resident refused treatment for minor burns, smoke inhalation

First responders were called to reports of a house fire at 7:01 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in the 1000 block of Pontiac Trail in Ann Arbor. (Ann Arbor Fire Department)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Firefighters are urging residents to be careful after an Ann Arbor resident woke to find their electric scooter burning inside their home.

First responders were called to reports of a house fire at 7:01 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in the 1000 block of Pontiac Trail in Ann Arbor. Firefighters found a lithium-ion battery scooter burning in the front yard of the home. Crews quickly extinguished the fire.

The fire department said the resident was woken by working smoke detectors and quickly realized their electric scooter was burning just inside the front door. The front door was the only exit, so they grabbed the burning scooter and threw it into the front yard.

The resident received minor burns to their hands and smoke inhalation. They refused treatment on scene and refused transport to a hospital.

“This incident could have easily resulted in a fatality,” the Ann Arbor Fire Department said in a press release.

The scooter was only 2 months old, had its original battery, and was not damaged. It was not being charged when the fire started. Officials said the resident reported that the scooter was not working correctly the day before the fire.

First responders were called to reports of a house fire at 7:01 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in the 1000 block of Pontiac Trail in Ann Arbor. (Ann Arbor Fire Department)

What to do if a lithium-ion battery device isn’t working

The fire department said that anytime a lithium-ion battery device isn’t charging or working correctly, it should be placed outside at least 10 feet from any structure. A battery-powered mobility device should never be stored by an exit.

Fire department shares bad battery warning signs:

  • Pungent odors.
  • Discoloration, blistering, bulging, or swelling of the casing.
  • Leaking electrolyte.
  • Heating up and feeling extremely hot tothe touch.
  • Abnormal popping, hissing, or crackling sounds, smoke, and fumes.
  • Never touch a swollen or ruptured device or battery with bare hands as the heat and/or chemicals can cause severe burns. Use a tool such as a shovel or dust pan.

If a small battery or device, like a phone or tablet, starts overheating or is swollen you should immediately unplug it from the power outlet and avoid inhaling any smoke or fumes. If possible, put it outside in an area away from any combustible material and away from windows or doorways. Officials recommend leaving it outside for at least 24 hours.

First responders were called to reports of a house fire at 7:01 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in the 1000 block of Pontiac Trail in Ann Arbor. (Ann Arbor Fire Department)

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Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer.