The scooter appeared to be experiencing a thermal runaway in the battery compartment which resulted in a small fire and off-gassing from the cells
At 11:39 a.m. Monday (April 28), the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to 1618 NE 107th Ave in Vancouver for the report of an electric powered scooter that was on fire next to a field.
The first-arriving engine requested a HazMat Team Leader consultation, which resulted in the deployment of the regional hazmat team from Vancouver Fire. The scooter appeared to be experiencing a thermal runaway in the battery compartment which resulted in a small fire and off-gassing from the cells. Hazmat team members in chemical protective suits and self-contained breathing apparatus safely move the scooter to a salt-brine filled container to both cool the thermal runaway and discharge the remaining power in the battery cells.
Vancouver Fire would like to caution everyone that the smoke produced by some battery fires can be toxic and possibly flammable.
To reduce the chance of scooter battery fires, always use approved batteries, chargers and follow manufacturer instructions. Store scooters away from flammable materials, exits and ensure they are not left unattended while charging. If you notice any signs of battery damage, like swelling, leakage, or overheating, stop using the scooter immediately and get away from it.
Information provided by Vancouver Fire Department.
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hmmmm Is it me, or doesn’t this seem like a heckuvalot of personnel involved, several of which are highly specialized, just for a scooter fire? If scooter battery fires are so “chemically dangerous” then maybe they should be off the market?
Ya know… “safer for the environment; cuts cost for emergency services”… or something like that? I don’t know, just seems like overkill.