Ludlow Fire Department Extinguishes Two-Alarm Fire Caused by Electric Scooter Battery

LUDLOW — Chief Ryan Pease reports that the Ludlow Fire Department extinguished a two-alarm fire Tuesday afternoon. 

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, at approximately 3:53 p.m., Ludlow Fire responded to 56 Haviland St. for reports of a fire. 

Upon arrival, crews observed heavy fire showing from several windows of the single-story home. A second alarm was struck to bring additional resources to the scene, and first responders were able to get the fire under control within 15 minutes. 

There were no reported injuries. The home sustained significant damage. Four residents and two dogs are currently displaced. 

Mutual aid was provided by Wilbraham Fire, Westover Air Reserve Base, and Ludlow Police. The Chicopee Fire Department provided station coverage. Ludlow Central Dispatch provided communication and logistical support. 

The cause of the fire, investigated by the Ludlow Fire Department and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office,  was determined to be from a lithium-ion battery from an electric scooter.

The Ludlow Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office would like to share the following safety tips on lithium-ion batteries, from the National Fire Protection Association: 

• Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark from an independent lab such as UL or Intertek/ETL. This means it meets important safety standards.
• Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged. 
• Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit www.call2recycle.org for a recycling spot near you.

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