A massive fire that ravaged part of a building that housed the Couer D’Alene Police Department’s IT department, the Animal Control unit, and several vehicles, has been attributed to an electric bike battery. The blaze occurred earlier this month and underscores the ongoing risks associated with EV batteries, despite advancements over the years.
Incident Details
There are numerous accounts of e-bike battery fires, and a common theme is that the damage is often more severe when these batteries are left unattended. The fire at the Couer D’Alene Police Department in Idaho caused significant damage to the building and the vehicles parked in the garage. Notably, the Couer D’Alene Fire Department, which was located next door, struggled to control the blaze before eventually extinguishing it. It took the efforts of 30 firefighters to bring the fire under control.
No Casualties
Fortunately, according to news reports, there were no casualties or injuries during the incident. However, the Police Department lost several vehicles, including a SWAT car, an incident command trailer, and all its motorcycles and e-bikes. Initially, the cause of the fire was unknown as an investigation was launched. Preliminary investigations by the Idaho State Fire Marshals revealed that a recently purchased e-bike battery experienced a ‘catastrophic failure’ while being properly recharged. The fire has been classified as an accident, and a comprehensive forensic analysis is being considered.
Safety Concerns
The incident in Couer D’Alene, Idaho, highlights the risks involved in charging electric bikes, scooters, and other electric mobility vehicles. It emphasizes the importance of exercising caution and closely monitoring these vehicles during the recharging process.
