The Office of the State Fire Marshal announced on Wednesday that an e-bike lithium battery is to blame for starting a fire inside an apartment on Tiogue Avenue in Coventry on Monday night -- and is cautioning Rhode Islanders about proper charging of e-bike lithium batteries.
Through their investigation, the Fire Marshal determined the lithium battery was plugged-in with a charger that was not compatible.
As a result, three people were transported to Rhode Island Hospital for smoke inhalation. “I can’t emphasize enough the critical importance of using compatible chargers and equipment for safe operation of e-bikes and electric vehicles,” said Rhode Island State Fire Marshal Timothy McLaughlin. “If not used correctly or damaged, lithium batteries are known to catch fire or explode and can give off toxic gases and burn extremely hot.”